The Count of Monte Cristo

A Troubling Date

A Troubling Date The president complies, asking Andrea’s age instead. Benedetto reveals he is twenty-one, born on the night of September 27, 1817. Upon hearing this date, M. de Villefort suddenly raises his head and becomes livid. When asked where he was born, Andrea answers “At Auteuil, near Paris,” causing Villefort to look at him as if gazing at the head of Medusa.

A Shocking Admission

A Shocking Admission When asked his profession, Andrea calmly answers that he was first a forger, then became a thief, and lately has become an assassin. A storm of indignation bursts from the assembly, and the jury manifests disgust at this unexpected cynicism from a man of fashion. Villefort presses his hand upon his brow, which has become red and burning, then suddenly rises and looks around as though he has lost his senses.

The Father’s Identity

The Father’s Identity The president asks for Benedetto’s name, and Andrea reveals he cannot tell his own name since he does not know it, but he knows his father’s. When pressed to repeat his father’s name, Andrea calmly states that his father is the king’s attorney. After momentary stunned silence from the audience, he elaborates: his father is named Villefort.

Public Uproar

Public Uproar An explosion of reaction bursts forth from the entire assembly, with exclamations and insults directed at Benedetto. The court does not immediately restrain the audience’s feelings. The door-keepers and magistrates take five minutes to restore order. During the tumult, Andrea turns his smiling face toward the assembly, maintaining his composure while awaiting silence.