Mariscal 1

Maricella Mariscal

Mr. Price

AP Lang

14 May 2019

Symbolic Elements of The Count of Monte Cristo

In almost every novel, the author brings about a specific object to exemplify a greater

meaning within the novel. They may use one or multiple objects to deeper tell the story, allowing

that object to act as a prominent significance within the plot. Alexandre Dumas, author of “The

Count of Monte Cristo”, does an extraordinary job of using objects to convey deeper meanings.

Throughout the novel Dumas utilizes the elixir, the sea and the red silk purse to project out of the

ordinary meanings that help aid in the success of the characters.

A symbol is something that represent or stands for something else, especially a material

object representing something abstract. Symbols often convey deeper meanings and aid in

creating a more in-depth plot. In Alexandre Dumas’s novel, “The Count of the Monte Cristo”, he

uses an elixir potion to represent Dante’s belief in God. Dantes uses the elixir to make Valentine

appear dead, so when Dantes is faced with the corpse of Villefort’s son Edward, his first instinct

is to use the elixir. The elixir is believe to both kill and bring to life, although it does not have the

power to bring the dead back to life. The power to bring the dead to life lies solely in God’s

hands. Due to the failed attempt to bring back Villefort’s son Edward, Dantes acknowledges the

limits of the elixir as well as the limitations on himself as a human being. He convinced himself

to be the agent of providence, which is almost like a greater God who watches over the

deserving. Monte Cristo explains, “There is a providence; there is a God, of whom you are a
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striking proof, as you lie in utter despair, denying him, while I stand before you, rich, happy, safe

and entreating that God in whom you endeavor not to believe, while in your heart you still

believe in him”(Dumas ). Dantes believes himself to be a greater person, one who can control

everything and lives through God. Although, when the elixir fails to bring Villefort’s son Edward

back to life he realizes the limitations set upon a human and that life and death is in the hands of

God only.

In addition to the elixir, Dumas also utilizes the sea in significant ways throughout the

novel. Dantes lives on the sea, it is his true home. In the beginning of the novel, Dantes is more

than ready to be promoted to captain after the death of his own. Although, the jealousy of others

forced Dantes to take a turn for the worst. He was locked up for fourteen long years before his

escape, experiencing a metaphorical death. Upon escaping Dantes gets thrown into the ocean,

which serves as the burial ground for the Chateau d’lf to drowned, this is because the guards

believed him to be a dead body. When Dantes gets thrown into the ocean alive, it was almost as

if he underwent a second baptism and a new noteworthy dedication of his soul to God. He is

washed within the sea and comes out as a completely new man, losing his loyal and honest self

in the waters and becoming a mad man - who only seeks revenge. The sea is not only significant

in the aspect of his baptism, but it continues to figure prominently within the novel as it serves as

a place that offers Dantes an escape and solitude.

Lastly, there is the red silk purse in which Dumas employs as an attempt to save both

Dantes father and Monsieur Morrel’s lives.The silk purse becomes and ironic symbol because it

is used by Monsieur Morrel as an attempt to save Dantes father’s life, but is later used by Dantes

to saved Monsieur Morrel’s life. Although the silk purse was not successful in saving Dantes
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father’s life health wise, it was used to pay off all of his debts regarding his home and money that

he owed. The purse symbolizes both good deeds and rewards, it was used by Monsieur Morrel as

a good deed to save Dantes father, and then given to him by Dantes to save his life which allows

the silk purse to be equivalent to a reward. The silk purse saved Monsieur Morrel’s life after it

was given to him by Dantes, and Monsieur Morrel believes Dantes to be his savior, his hope in

the struggling world. Monsieur Morrel was deep into debt when he received the silk purse, and

when Dantes gave him the purse there were multiple debt notes left inside and marked as paid, as

well as diamonds left for Morrel’s daughter to get married to her love, Emmanuel. Furthermore,

Dantes gave the purse to Morrel’s daughter Julie and as she went to give it to her father, she

found him with a gun to his head, right before he almost took his life she told him his debts were

paid and that signifies the reward within the red silk purse. Due to the spirits that the red silk

purse brings her father, Julie, Monsieur Morrel’s daughter, placed it on display so that they

would never forget the reward given to them.

Dumas utilizes many forms of symbolism but he uses three objects that show great

importance throughout the story; the elixir, the sea and the red silk purse. Each of these objects

withhold a meaning that is greater than their own and aid in the plot of the story. In most literary

works there are objects or significant things that symbolize an important event within the story.

Including these objects allows the readers to deeper understand the story they are reading, and

forces one to think deeper within the novel. Alexandre Dumas does an excellent job of keeping

the reader connected throughout the novel by including these symbolic elements.