The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

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Chapter 1
I: Marseilles—The Arrival
The Pharaon arrives in Marseilles on February 24, 1815. Young mate Edmond Dantès informs owner Morrel that Captain Leclère died of brain fever. Dantès reports that the cargo is safe and that he stopped at Elba as instructed, where he spoke with Napoleon. Morrel is pleased and hints at making Dantès captain. Dantès asks for leave to visit his father and his betrothed, Mercédès. Meanwhile, supercargo Danglars subtly sows suspicion about Dantès' actions.
Chapter 2
Father and Son
Edmond Dantès returns home to his father after the voyage of the Pharaon. He finds his father in poor health and financial distress, having used the money Edmond left to pay a debt to Caderousse. Edmond shares his hopes of becoming captain and his plans to marry Mercédès, while Danglars and Caderousse conspire in jealousy.
Chapter 3
The Catalans
Edmond Dantès returns to the Catalan village to reunite with his beloved Mercédès, only to find her cousin Fernand Mondego consumed by jealousy. Mercédès declares her undying love for Edmond, rejecting Fernand. Fernand later meets with Caderousse and Danglars, who stoke his resentment. Danglars begins to plot against Dantès, seeing an opportunity to destroy his rival's happiness and career.
Chapter 4
Conspiracy
Danglars manipulates Fernand Mondego into denouncing Edmond Dantès as a Bonapartist agent, using a forged letter to the king's attorney. Caderousse, drunk and loyal to Dantès, objects but is too intoxicated to stop the plot. Fernand retrieves the discarded letter, setting the conspiracy in motion.
Chapter 5
The Marriage Feast
During the wedding feast of Edmond Dantès and Mercédès, the celebration is interrupted by the arrival of a magistrate who arrests Dantès in the name of the law. Danglars and Fernand, who had conspired against Dantès, watch as the arrest unfolds. M. Morrel, the shipowner, attempts to intervene and later discusses Dantès' fate with Danglars and Caderousse, while Danglars subtly positions himself to take command of the Pharaon.

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I: Marseilles—The Arrival

Father and Son

The Catalans

Conspiracy

The Marriage Feast