The Morality of Revenge and Literary Genius by Rachel

The Morality of Revenge and Literary Genius by Rachel - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

It can be argued that almost every student experiences betrayal and heartbreak during their high school years. High school is dramatic and draining at times, yet a necessary part in becoming thoughtful and empathetic humans. It can be difficult for high school students to look past the adventures of their social life and focus on their schoolwork, much less read an assigned book. Yet The Count of Monte Cristo, an emotionally driven tale of betrayal and revenge that features love, intrigue and vengeance; is a book that speaks to students while also a prolific and literary masterpiece.

The Count of Monte Cristo's hero is Edmond Dantes. You are introduced to Edmond when he is a lovesick and naive 18-year old boy whose successful future is in the palm of his hand. Yet, everything is snatched away from him by a jealous shipmate when he is caught in the middle of politics rising out of the impending French revolution. He spends 8 years in prison, learning from a fellow prisoner and scheming his revenge. He escapes the prison and enacts his complex yet effective vengeance on the men who took his fiancée and future away.

The book addresses the realities of politics and the circumstances that surrounded people during the impending French Revolution. Students often manifest their own politics. The book offers a keen look at how stepping on others and making selfish decisions during a time of stress can come back to bite them and severely affect the lives of others. The story also questions morality, and drives debate topics on the gray areas of right and wrong. It may be clear that Edmond's nemesis was in the wrong to some, but was Edmond's revenge morally right? Debating with articulation and an open mind is a skill that all high school students should attempt to achieve.

The Count of Monte Cristo is also ripe for literary elements. The Abbe Busoni foreshadows the downfall of Dantes' enemies with "... I am firmly persuaded that, sooner or later, the good will be rewarded, and the wicked punished." Narrative and character tropes are widespread. For example, Danglars, Dantes' jealous shipmate who betrays him, embodies the trope "Ambition is Evil." Understanding how these literary elements play upon one another in this complex novel will encourage students to advance their own creative thinking.

Most of all, the book is a compelling work while also being massively clever. The Count of Monte Cristo will exercise students' ability to retain connections between characters, employ their critical thinking skills, and allow them partake in an exceptionally written tale of revenge.