The Count of Monte Cristo

第二章 Father and Son

This chapter focuses on Edmond Dantès’s return home to his father and the revelations about his father’s difficult circumstances during his absence.

Edmond Returns Home

Edmond Dantès returns to Marseille after the death of Captain Leclere and makes his way to his father’s modest home. He climbs the dark staircase of a small house on the Rue de Noailles with a beating heart, eager to reunite with his father. Upon entering, he finds his elderly father training nasturtiums and clematis at the window, unaware of his son’s arrival. The emotional reunion sees the old man fall into Edmond’s arms, pale and trembling, overcome by the surprise and joy of seeing his son unexpectedly.

The Father’s Poverty Revealed

During their conversation, Edmond learns he may soon become captain of the Pharaon. However, he discovers his father has lived in poverty during his absence. When Edmond asks for wine, he finds the cupboards empty. The old man admits he paid a debt to neighbor Caderousse with most of the two hundred francs Edmond left him, leaving only sixty francs to live on for three months. Distressed by his father’s sacrifice, Edmond empties his pockets of gold and silver coins onto the table, promising to care for the old man and buy him a house with a garden.

Caderousse’s Visit

Neighbor Caderousse arrives to congratulate Edmond on his return. Though Edmond receives him civilly, he privately notes Caderousse’s duplicitous nature. Caderousse examines the money on the table with greedy eyes, but Edmond deflects his interest by claiming the money belongs to his father. The old man warmly defends Caderousse, praising him as an attached friend. However, Edmond remains guarded, offering only formal thanks for past assistance.