Every few years I feel compelled to pull a book from the shelf. I immerse myself in the conspiracy, treachery, revenge and kindness that makes up the Count of Monte Cristo.
Edmond Dantes has a beautiful life-- he is marrying the girl of his dreams and has been promoted to the captaincy of a ship. So called friends accuse him of treason and ill fortune shuts him in the prison on Chateau d'If. Plunged into despair, he remains in prison for 18 years. A true friend helps him escape from ignorance, and find hope in education and freedom of mind amid captivity. After liberation from prison, Dantes seeks to learn the fates of the conspirators who betrayed him and is repulsed to find them living a life of ease. Sworn to act as the Lord's tool of justice Dantes assumes the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo and assists fate in the work of vengeance.
This masterpiece of French Literature thrills me each time I read it. The inner struggles of Dantes as he reconciles his actions and the love of God rend my heart. At the conclusion of the novel Dantes instructs his protege Maximilian Morell in how to find joy and peace amid the injustice of the world:
"Live then and be happy..., and never forget that until the day God will deign to reveal the future to men, all human wisdom is contained in these two words, -- 'Wait and hope.'" (Dumas 1462)
In a world of instant gratification, following this advice can be tricky. But these two words can supply peace to a troubled mind and south the soul.
Wait and Hope
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, Modern Library paperback edition, 2005
Read the unabridged version-- it is worth it!!!!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
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