第十五章 Number 34 and Number 27
Imprisoned as Number 34, Dantès gradually loses hope, moving from pride in his innocence to doubt, then to pleas for a change of cell, fresh air, or even a companion such as the mad abbé, all of which are denied by the suspicious governor. With human resources exhausted, he turns to prayer and then to rage, brooding on the letter that sealed his fate and entertaining thoughts of suicide until he resolves to starve himself to death on the very eve of an unexpected scratching at his prison wall. The mysterious noise from the neighboring dungeon revives his spirit, and after days of cautious listening he strikes back with a stone and is answered, confirming that Number 27—an unknown fellow prisoner—is laboring to tunnel toward freedom.
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 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.