The Count of Monte Cristo

Count Reveals Rented Window and Provides Masquerade Costumes

At the corner of the street, the Count’s steward meets them with news of the window the Count has let at an exorbitant price, located on the second floor of the great palace between the Via del Babuino and the Monte Pincio. The rented space comprises a small dressing-room opening into a bedroom, providing privacy when the connecting door is closed. Elegant blue and white satin masquerade costumes are laid out on chairs; the Count explains that he chose them because they are fashionable and because confetti flour will not show on the fabric.

Execution Procession Enters the Piazza del Popolo

A procession emerges from the little church of Santa Maria del Popolo. A brotherhood of penitents in gray sackcloth, with holes cut for the eyes and lighted tapers in hand, leads the way. Behind them walks the executioner—immense, nearly naked save for cloth drawers and sandals laced with cords, with a large knife in a sheath at his left side and a heavy iron sledge-hammer on his right shoulder. He is followed by the two condemned men, Peppino and Andrea, each flanked by two priests and without blindfolds, the crucifix repeatedly raised to their lips.

Peppino Receives Last-Minute Pardon, Andrea Protests

Just as Peppino reaches the foot of the mandaïa, a priest hurries forward and delivers a folded paper to the chief of the brotherhood, who announces that His Holiness has granted a pardon to one of the prisoners—Peppino, called Rocca Priori. The crowd erupts in a single cry of “A pardon!” Andrea, roused from his torpor, furiously demands to know why his companion has been spared when he was promised they would die together. He struggles against the priests, refusing to die alone, and his rage is met by an answering roar from the crowd demanding his death.

Andrea Executed, Count Reacts Triumphantly

The two assistants drag the struggling Andrea to the scaffold and force him to his knees. The executioner raises his mace and brings it down on Andrea’s left temple, producing a dull, heavy sound; the man crumples face-first, then rolls onto his back. The executioner drops the mace, draws his knife, slashes Andrea’s throat, and stamps violently on his stomach as blood jets from the wound. Franz sinks half-fainting into a seat while Albert closes his eyes and grips the window-curtains; the Count stands erect and triumphant beside them, like an Avenging Angel.

Chapter 36. The Carnival at Rome

The chapter opens with Franz recovering from the traumatic execution scene of the previous evening to find the Roman Carnival has officially begun, the Piazza del Popolo cleared of all execution-related trappings. He, Albert, and the Count of Monte Cristo prepare to join the Carnival revels, marking the shift from the grim opening events to the festive, chaotic atmosphere of the annual celebration. This chapter covers events during the Roman Carnival, centered on the Count of Monte Cristo and his interactions with young travelers Franz and Albert. It details the count’s generous gifts to the pair, Albert’s romantic pursuit of a mysterious masked peasant, Franz’s choice to attend a papal audience instead of joining Carnival festivities, the count’s enigmatic, Byronic personality, and the climactic events of the final Carnival Tuesday, including horse races and the traditional moccoli candle celebration. This chapter, titled Chapter 36. The Carnival at Rome, depicts the final moments of the Roman Carnival, following Franz as he observes Albert’s interaction with a masked peasant, the abrupt official end of the festivities, and the sudden, overwhelming darkness that leaves Franz isolated.

Chapter 36. The Carnival at Rome

The chapter opens with Franz recovering from the traumatic execution scene of the previous evening to find the Roman Carnival has officially begun, the Piazza del Popolo cleared of all execution-related trappings. He, Albert, and the Count of Monte Cristo prepare to join the Carnival revels, marking the shift from the grim opening events to the festive, chaotic atmosphere of the annual celebration.