The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas | Chapters 14–16 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

After years of wrongful imprisonment, Dante's encounters a fellow prisoner and forms a plan for escape.

Key Insights

• 🧑‍⚖️ Dante's seeks a fair trial and judge for his wrongful imprisonment.
• 🥡 Solitary confinement takes a toll on Dante's mental and emotional well-being.
• ❓ The abbe's refusal to kill showcases his moral integrity and patience.

Transcript

in Chapter 14 of The Count of Monte Cristo about a year after the monarchy is restored the Inspector General of prisons visits Chateau d'If and Dante's takes the opportunity to eloquently tell his story appealing to him for a judge and trial the inspector promises to review v Falls notes on the case Dante's is relieved thinking that V fall is on hi... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Dante's appeal for a judge and trial?

Dante's wants a fair chance to prove his innocence and seek justice for his wrongful imprisonment. He believes a judge and trial will provide him with the opportunity to clear his name.

Q: How does Dante's survive in solitary confinement?

Dante's initially struggles with no books or distractions, leading him to rage against his enemies. However, he perseveres and finds hope when he hears a scratching sound, prompting him to continue eating and stay alive.

Q: Why does the abbe refuse to kill in order to escape?

The abbe's moral compass prevents him from resorting to violence. He believes in waiting for an organic opportunity to seize freedom instead of taking someone's life.

Q: How does Dante's learn about the abbe's extensive knowledge and writings?

Dante's follows the abbe through the tunnel to his cell and there discovers the abbe's book of meditations, written using materials from his cell. He also realizes the abbe has committed multiple books to memory, showcasing his intellectual prowess.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In Chapter 14, Dante's appeals for a judge and trial but finds hope when the Inspector General promises to review V Fall's notes on his case.

• A year later, Dante's suffers immensely in solitary confinement, but he discovers another prisoner, the abbe, who has been attempting to tunnel his way out.

• Dante's forms a plan to escape with the abbe, but the abbe refuses to kill and prefers to wait for an opportunity.