第三十六章 The Carnival at Rome
The chapter opens with Franz recovering from the traumatic execution scene of the previous evening to find the Roman Carnival has officially begun, the Piazza del Popolo cleared of all execution-related trappings. He, Albert, and the Count of Monte Cristo prepare to join the Carnival revels, marking the shift from the grim opening events to the festive, chaotic atmosphere of the annual celebration.
Awakening to the Carnival
Franz regains consciousness to find Albert drinking water (pale from shock) and the count donning his masquerade costume. The piazza is now full of noisy, excited crowds, and the bell of Monte Citorio rings to announce the start of the Carnival. Franz asks what transpired, and the count explains the execution was a nightmare, Peppino escaped in the confusion, and urges the two young men to dress and join the festivities. Albert admits he is glad to have witnessed the execution but is ready to participate in the Carnival.
Preparing for the Revels
Franz decides to follow his companions’ lead, puts on his Carnival costume and mask, and the three descend to find their carriage waiting at the door, filled with sweetmeats and bouquets, ready to join the procession of carriages on the Corso.
The Corso in Full Festivity
The chapter describes the total transformation of the Corso from the grim execution site to a riot of Carnival joy: crowds of masks in fantastical costumes (clowns, harlequins, peasants, knights, etc.) fill the streets and carriages, throwing confetti, flour-filled eggs, sweetmeats and flowers at passersby indiscriminately. Franz and Albert are quickly caught up in the festive chaos, their memories of the execution fading as they join in the fun, throwing treats from their own carriage. The count remains completely unmoved by the revelry, and the grand spectacle of the Corso is detailed: palaces lined with 300,000 spectators showering confetti and bouquets down to the street, fantastical costumed figures parading, and a lively, chaotic atmosphere.
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