It is time for our fourth and final #CannonBookClub of 2016. It is my sincerest hope that you have enjoyed this experience, and I look forward to continuing on in 2017. I’m working on genre ideas now, so if you have hopes and dreams of what you’d like to see the group tackle, let me know.
But we are really gathered here today to discuss the epic tome which is Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. It is the story of one man completely changed by betrayal and the desire for revenge. Or is it? There is much to discuss.
Ground rules remain the same as before, discuss in the comments below, try to respond directly to someone’s ideas as suits your own ponderings, and refer to the numbered topics below by number, please, to help people find the conversation topics they are looking for. Also note that while I’ve never once had to use it and don’t expect to now, I’ll delete comments that are not germane to our discussion or get out of hand.
In addition to the topics below I’ve saved a few for our Facebook group, Cannonball Read Book Chat so feel free to wander over there throughout the course of the day.
On to the topics:
- How is “family” an important concept in The Count of Monte Cristo?
- How did you feel about the pacing – is it quick or slow? Does it remain steady throughout the book or change? Does it fit the scope and style of the book? Do any sections drag, or are any rushed?
- Is this your first book which was initially serialized? Was it noticeable to you?
- Is Dantès’ quest for vengeance morally just? Can vengeance ever stand in for justice?
- Discuss Villefort’s decision to imprison Dantès. What are the moral and ethical implications of his decision to imprison Dantès?
- Let’s talk about Dantès’ profound alienation when he escapes from prison and his gradual movement back to humanity. How does he regain his humanity?
- How is the Count at the end of the novel similar or different from Edmond Dantès at the beginning of the novel?
- Valentine de Villefort loves her family, especially her grandfather, and Maximilian Morrel; she would do anything for them. Should we applaud her behavior? How does her behavior compare to that of Eugénie Danglars’? How are these two women different or similar?
- Your mission is to create a new film version of The Count of Monte Cristo. However, the film cannot be longer than two hours. What would you cut out of the story and what would you keep in order to tell your version of The Count? (or, what did the movie version you’ve seen get right?)
And…go!