The Count of Monte Cristo

How is “family” an important concept in The Count of Monte Cristo?

How did you feel about the pacing – is it quick or slow? Does it remain steady throughout the book or change? Does it fit the scope and style of the book? Do any sections drag, or are any rushed?

Is this your first book which was initially serialized? Was it noticeable to you?

Is Dantès’ quest for vengeance morally just? Can vengeance ever stand in for justice?

Discuss Villefort’s decision to imprison Dantès. What are the moral and ethical implications of his decision to imprison Dantès?

Let’s talk about Dantès’ profound alienation when he escapes from prison and his gradual movement back to humanity. How does he regain his humanity?

How is the Count at the end of the novel similar or different from Edmond Dantès at the beginning of the novel?

Valentine de Villefort loves her family, especially her grandfather, and Maximilian Morrel; she would do anything for them. Should we applaud her behavior? How does her behavior compare to that of Eugénie Danglars’? How are these two women different or similar?

Your mission is to create a new film version of The Count of Monte Cristo. However, the film cannot be longer than two hours. What would you cut out of the story and what would you keep in order to tell your version of The Count? (or, what did the movie version you’ve seen get right?