The Accused Enters
The Accused Enters Benedetto enters the courtroom to heightened public attention. Unlike the guilty expressions expected, he displays remarkable composure—his features show no deep emotion, his hands remain gracefully placed and steady, and his eye is calm and even brilliant. He glances at the magistrates and assistants, lingering longer on the president and the king’s attorney. A court-appointed lawyer defends him, appearing far more emotional than the prisoner himself.
The Indictment
The Indictment The president calls for the indictment, prepared by Villefort’s clever and implacable pen. During the lengthy reading, Andrea bears the inspection with Spartan unconcern. Villefort proves both concise and eloquent, depicting the crime vividly and reviewing the prisoner’s former life and transformation with all the talent his knowledge of human life affords. Benedetto is condemned in public opinion before any legal sentence can be pronounced.
Unconcerned Benedetto
Unconcerned Benedetto Despite the detailed charges read against him, Andrea pays no attention, maintaining his composure even as Villefort attempts to make him lower his eyes through psychological examination. The depth of Benedetto’s unconcern contrasts sharply with the tension in the courtroom, suggesting he harbors something significant.
An Unusual Request
An Unusual Request When the president asks for his name, Andrea interrupts with an unusual request. He asks to answer questions in a different order, explaining he has an idea about making an exception to the usual form of accusation. The astonished president looks at the jury, who in turn look at Villefort, but Andrea remains unmoved by the surprise his request generates.
A Troubling Date
A Troubling Date The president complies, asking Andrea’s age instead. Benedetto reveals he is twenty-one, born on the night of September 27, 1817. Upon hearing this date, M. de Villefort suddenly raises his head and becomes livid. When asked where he was born, Andrea answers “At Auteuil, near Paris,” causing Villefort to look at him as if gazing at the head of Medusa.
A Shocking Admission
A Shocking Admission When asked his profession, Andrea calmly answers that he was first a forger, then became a thief, and lately has become an assassin. A storm of indignation bursts from the assembly, and the jury manifests disgust at this unexpected cynicism from a man of fashion. Villefort presses his hand upon his brow, which has become red and burning, then suddenly rises and looks around as though he has lost his senses.
The Father’s Identity
The Father’s Identity The president asks for Benedetto’s name, and Andrea reveals he cannot tell his own name since he does not know it, but he knows his father’s. When pressed to repeat his father’s name, Andrea calmly states that his father is the king’s attorney. After momentary stunned silence from the audience, he elaborates: his father is named Villefort.
Public Uproar
Public Uproar An explosion of reaction bursts forth from the entire assembly, with exclamations and insults directed at Benedetto. The court does not immediately restrain the audience’s feelings. The door-keepers and magistrates take five minutes to restore order. During the tumult, Andrea turns his smiling face toward the assembly, maintaining his composure while awaiting silence.
Benedetto’s Accusation
Benedetto’s Accusation Once silence returns, Andrea explains he had no intention of insulting the court or causing disturbance. He reiterates his claims: born at Auteuil on September 27, 1817, son of M. de Villefort. He promises to provide proof and explanations. There is an energy and conviction in his manner that silences further tumult, causing all eyes to turn toward the traumatized procureur.
A Tale of Burial
A Tale of Burial Andrea provides further details of his origin. He claims he was born in No. 28, Rue de la Fontaine, in a room hung with red damask. His father allegedly took him in his arms, told his mother the child was dead, wrapped him in a napkin marked with H and N, and carried him into a garden where he buried him alive. The assembly shudders as Benedetto’s confidence increases in proportion to Villefort’s growing terror.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.