The Count of Monte Cristo

1. The Count of Monte Cristo The Novel and its Historical Influences

2. Historical Context • French Revolution – 1789 • Result of such acts as • France becoming a republic (1792) • King Louis XVI beheaded (1793) • Napoleon Bonaparte rises to power • Seizes control of France in 1799 • Declares himself emperor in 1804 • Lives in exile on Elba (1814) • Escapes exile in 1815, war breaks out, is defeated, exiled to St. Helena • Napoleon dies six years later • Any supporters, or Bonapartists, were now considered traitors.

3. Napoleon Bonaparte

4. How History Impacts the Novel • Alexandre Dumas, author, felt affects of Napoleon’s reign. • His father was a General in Napoleon’s army, fell out of favor, was poisoned, imprisoned, and died young leaving the Dumas family in poverty. • Heard stories of father’s wild adventures and triumphs spawning imagination and love for adventure and heroes.

5. Other Personal Facts of Dumas • Had a variety of jobs associated with plays and politics • Had numerous affairs and 2 illegitimate children • Lived extravagant lifestyle (but was always in financial trouble) • Built a house, Monte Cristo, which left him penniless

6. The novel itself • Written in 1844, published in 18 fragments from 1844-1846. • Written in serial form with cliff-hanger endings • Written during the Age of Romanticism • People rejected science and reason • Focused more on nature, emotion, individual experience (ideas considered “rebellious”)

7. History’s Impact on the Novel • Considered historical fiction • Uses historical facts as a canvas on which to place fictional characters and plot • Dumas’ goal was to teach French people their historical heritage • Novel discusses European societal customs as they were during that time and earlier • Novel begins in 1815 • Effects of Napoleon’s reign play a role in the plot