The Count of Monte Cristo

Mercédès Blames Herself for Past Mistakes

Mercédès Blames Herself for Past Mistakes Mercédès turns her anguish inward, declaring she blames and hates only herself. She recalls possessing piety, innocence, and love—the ingredients of angelic happiness—and laments what she has become. Years of weeping have silvered her hair and lined her face while the Count remains young and dignified. She confesses that her first fault destroyed her life: having believed Edmond dead, having lacked the courage to save her husband along with her son, and having been “base” and “cowardly” in renouncing her affections. She calls herself a renegade of evil omen to those around her.

Monte Cristo Describes His Divine Vengeance Path

Monte Cristo Describes His Divine Vengeance Path The Count gently rebukes Mercédès for judging herself too severely, calling her noble-minded and admitting her grief disarmed him. He then describes himself as an agent of an invisible, offended Deity who chose not to withhold the fatal blow. He recounts how God endowed him with boundless fortune to fulfill divine designs, and how he trained his arm to slay, his eyes to witness suffering, and his mouth to smile at horrors. From good-natured and forgiving, he became revengeful and immovable as fate, overcoming every obstacle in his path. He warns, “Woe to those who stood in my pathway!”

Mercédès Asks for Her Son’s Happiness

Mercédès Asks for Her Son’s Happiness Mercédès declares that she, who alone recognized and comprehended him, would have admired him even had he crushed her like glass. She draws an abyss between him and the rest of mankind, saying the comparison will always torment her. She then asks the Count, before he leaves, whether she has any request to make. Her sole desire in the world is the happiness of her son, which the Count promises to promote if God spares Albert’s life. She thanks him.