The Stages of Prisoner’s Torment
The Stages of Prisoner’s Torment Dantès undergoes the stages of suffering common to prisoners in suspense, moving from the pride of conscious innocence and hope to doubt of his own sanity, and finally relaxing his pride to make supplications to men rather than to God.
Supplications to Man
Supplications to Man Dantès begs to be moved to another cell, however worse, and requests walks, fresh air, books, and writing materials. Though his requests are denied, he persists and begins speaking to his new taciturn jailer, finding comfort in hearing his own voice since it had terrified him when alone.
Yearning for Company
Yearning for Company Dantès, who once recoiled at the thought of associating with criminals, now longs to be among galley-slaves who at least breathe fresh air and see one another. He even asks the jailer for a companion, however wretched.
The Governor’s Refusal
The Governor’s Refusal The jailer, moved by pity for the unhappy young man, carries Dantès’ request to the governor, who suspects a plot or escape attempt and refuses. Having exhausted all human resources, Dantès turns to God.
Turning to God
Turning to God Forgotten prayers return to Dantès with new meaning, and he prays fervently aloud, laying his life before the Almighty and entreating forgiveness. Yet despite his earnest devotion, he remains a prisoner.
Descent into Gloom
Descent into Gloom Heaviness settles on Dantès as the limits of his unlettered mind become apparent; he cannot imagine vanished civilizations or rebuild ancient cities. Nineteen years of light reflected upon in eternal darkness, his spirit is caged like an eagle, and he fixates on the idea of his destroyed happiness.
Rage and Blasphemy
Rage and Blasphemy Religious fervor gives way to rage. Dantès hurls blasphemies, throws himself against the walls, and burns with fury at the letter of his persecution that blazes on the wall like Belshazzar’s warning. He consigns his unknown persecutors to tortures but finds none sufficient.
Thoughts of Suicide
Thoughts of Suicide Brooding on the idea that peace is death, Dantès turns to the thought of suicide, comparing it to a dead sea whose calm surface hides destruction. He finds strange consolation in contemplating the abyss of oblivion.
The Choice of Starvation
The Choice of Starvation Dantès, reconciled to death, chooses his manner of dying and rejects hanging as an infamous pirate’s fate. He resolves instead to starve himself, and from that day begins carrying out his plan.
Four Years of Captivity
Four Years of Captivity Nearly four years have passed; for the last two Dantès has ceased to mark time. Having sworn to die, he casts each meal through the loophole, though hunger makes him long for the food. When he grows too weak to rise, the jailer fears he is dying, and Edmond himself hopes for death as twilight creeps over him.
The Hollow Sound in the Wall
The Hollow Sound in the Wall On the verge of death, Edmond hears a hollow scratching sound in the wall. He wonders if heaven has sent a warning, or if one of his loved ones is striving to reach him, but fears it may be a death-dream.
A Ray of Hope
A Ray of Hope When the jailer enters, Dantès fears the noise will be silenced. He talks loudly and complains to disguise any sound, and the jailer, thinking him delirious, leaves broth and white bread. The sound grows more distinct, and a desperate hope kindles in Edmond.
Testing the Mystery
Testing the Mystery Feeble but determined, Edmond drinks the broth for strength and plans to test the noise. He strikes three times against the wall; the sound stops instantly, confirming his suspicion.
Silence and Waiting
Silence and Waiting An hour passes, then two, and then a whole day in silence. Edmond forces himself to eat a little, regaining his strength, and waits through a sleepless night for the sound to return.
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