The Count of Monte Cristo

第三十五章 La Mazzolata

Chapter 35, titled “La Mazzolata,” centers on Count Monte Cristo’s visit to the rooms of Albert de Morcerf and Franz d’Épinay at the Hôtel de Londres in Rome. The count arrives to greet the young men, assists them in securing accommodations for Carnival festivities, and engages them in a wide-ranging conversation that moves from polite social exchange to a probing discussion of capital punishment, justice, and vengeance. The chapter culminates in a shared breakfast and a plan to witness an execution at the Piazza del Popolo, with Franz ultimately declining the offer of a window overlooking the scaffold. Chapter 35. La Mazzolata follows the Count, Franz, and Albert as they proceed from Franz’s rooms to the Piazza del Popolo to witness an execution. The chapter confirms the Count’s identity through a prearranged window signal, then unfolds the grim spectacle of a Roman beheading by mace. A last-minute pardon saves one prisoner while inflaming the other, leading to a violent execution before a carnival-minded crowd. The chapter culminates in a chilling moment in which the Count, far from being repulsed, exults in the scene and his view of human nature.

第三十五章 La Mazzolata

Chapter 35, titled “La Mazzolata,” centers on Count Monte Cristo’s visit to the rooms of Albert de Morcerf and Franz d’Épinay at the Hôtel de Londres in Rome. The count arrives to greet the young men, assists them in securing accommodations for Carnival festivities, and engages them in a wide-ranging conversation that moves from polite social exchange to a probing discussion of capital punishment, justice, and vengeance. The chapter culminates in a shared breakfast and a plan to witness an execution at the Piazza del Popolo, with Franz ultimately declining the offer of a window overlooking the scaffold.