Q19: Strengths and Weaknesses

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the novel?  (Keep in mind, while you are answering, that you are not reading it in the original language.  To what extent can you blame or praise the translators?)

Q18: Transformation

In your opinion, what causes Dantes' final transformation?  Support your answer!

Q17: Valentine

In what ways does Valentine's situation mirror Dantes'?

Q16: Haydee

What is Haydee's significance in the novel?

Q15: International Politics

How does international politics factor into the plot of the novel?  In your opinion, what observations (if any) is Dumas making about globalization?

Q14: More Disguise

What is the significance of disguise within the novel?  What is Dumas saying, in your opinion?

Q13: Disguise

In which ways is an abbé the perfect disguise for Dantes?  In which ways not?

Q12: Construction

Dumas's original idea was to cut the first 20 chapters from the novel and begin with the quest for revenge.  In your opinion, which works better and why?

Q11: Genoese Smuggler

Analyze the character of the Genoese smuggler.  Is his characterization consistent with that you read in Empire?

Q10: Caesar's Will

Dumas presents one side of Caesar's will, then the other, and ultimately gives the readers the entire will.  In your opinion, how effective is this gradual revelation?

Q9: Transformation

How is Dantes transformed by Faria?  Does Faria's illness parallel that transformation?

Q8: Louis XVIII

Analyze Louis XVIII as a politician in this novel.  Are Dumas's own political views clear or is he more objective?  Defend your answers!

Q7: Gradual Revelations

How does Dumas slowly relate the details of the Chateau d'If?  What is the impact on the reader?  How would the story have changed if Dumas had been more direct?

Q6: Letters

What is the importance of the written word, specifically letters, throughout this novel?  What do the letters symbolize?

Q5: Quote

"Those of my readers who are well acquainted with the period of my story must be aware of the gravity of such an pronouncement" (37).  Suddenly, Dumas breaks the fourth wall.  Why?  What does this do to the story as a whole?

Q4: Coincidence

What is the role of "fate" or coincidence in this novel?  Is it too much deus ex machina or is it believable?  Defend your answers!

Q3: Dialogue

How does Dumas use dialogue to push the plotline forward?  Is it effective?

Q2: Politics

How does Dumas weave politics into his narrative?  In your opinion, is it effective?

Q1: Juxtaposition

Dumas seems to like duality.  How does Dumas juxtapose pairs of characters, events, places throughout the novel and why?