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?