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?