The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
The Bell and Bottle Tavern explained
Andrea Cavalcanti, having fled the Danglars' salon after his exposure, steals valuables from the bride's trousseau and escapes through a window.
What happens
Andrea Cavalcanti, having fled the Danglars' salon after his exposure, steals valuables from the bride's trousseau and escapes through a window. He hires a cab to pursue a fictional friend, but eventually stops at Louvres, then hires a horse to reach Compiègne. At the Bell and Bottle Tavern, he orders a room and a meal, planning to disguise himself as a woodcutter and flee to the frontier. He sleeps soundly, but wakes to see a gendarme in the courtyard, causing him alarm.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Albert Morcerf reaches his emotional and psychological peak by cho…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Identity and Transformation
Andrea plans to disguise himself as a woodcutter, changing his appearance and identity to evade capture.
- Betrayal and Deception
Andrea deceives the innkeeper and cab driver with false stories and a stolen visiting card to facilitate his escape.
Characters to notice
- Andrea Cavalcanti
Flees after exposure at the Danglars' salon, steals from the trousseau, and devises a plan to escape to the frontier.
- Eugénie Danglars
Mentioned as having left for Brussels with her friend; her calash passes Andrea on the road.
- Louise d'Armilly
Travels with Eugénie Danglars in the calash that passes Andrea.
Key passages
“Notwithstanding his youth, Master Andrea was a very skilful and intelligent boy.”
Despite his young age, Andrea was clever and resourceful.
Highlights Andrea's cunning nature as he plans his escape.
“He helped himself to the most valuable of the ornaments before him.”
He stole the most precious items from the bride's display.
Shows Andrea's opportunistic theft during his flight.
“My safety is now a mere question of speed.”
My only chance of escape is to outrun my pursuers.
Reflects Andrea's belief that quick movement will save him.
