The Count spoiled me for any revenge story. I cannot read any other because The Count was the ultimate revenge story. Loved your psychoanalysis!

We like revenge because we believe life should be fair. It isn’t. Living well is the best revenge.

Whenever I read a story with a revenge element, an alarm goes off that this is not going to end well.

Loved this analysis! It always makes me upset when I see people review this book and say that it encourages revenge, when it really does the opposite.

Success is the best revenge.

Not that you asked, BUT... My first exposure to The Count of Monte Cristo was watching the Richard Chamberlain TV version with my parents when I was a kid. At the time, I was too young to understand every detail of every scene, but I was able to follow the gist of the story. Years later, after discovering the source material was a French novel, I vowed to one day read the book when the opportunity presented itself. I was an avid reader growing up and did my best to keep up with my ambitions, but didn't wind up reading The Count of Monte Cristo until I purchased a Modern Library edition in the 1990s from the local Barnes & Noble. I finally got around to reading it in the summer of '97. Years later I would discover a more complete translation was available (Robin Buss, Penguin Books) but I was still enthralled with the copy I had. Theses days I read it or listen to the Audible version almost as often as actor Christopher Lee claimed to have annually read Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Having a passion for film and literature, I attempted to write my own adaptation of the story in screenplay format. But of course I was beaten to the punch at the turn of the 21st century by the Gerard Depardieu version on Bravo, followed by Disney's 2002 version. Still, I personally think no one has nailed it yet, because they keep messing with the ending. In the book it's bittersweet, but filmmakers always want to make their ending a "happily ever after" story. But your excellent video isn't about the history of filming the story; it's about The Count of Monte Cristo and revenge stories in general. Forgive me for my brief but long-winded history recap. I think we gravitate toward revenge stories for the simple fact that life is unfair enough without others deliberately making it so. We are asked to put our faith and trust into systems of right and wrong without having to constantly live in fear. But we know that justice, like any other system, has its problems and can break down or refuse to operate in the way it was originally designed. When that happens, we often have two choices: move on and forgive and forget, consider it a learning experience OR resist being complacent and do something about it. Especially if it involves something much more sinister than a harmless prank or trick that gives one person a playful advantage over another. The Count of Monte Cristo is just such a story where the stakes are so high, it would be a crime NOT to seek revenge. Edmond Dantes has every right to "balance the scales" after what he suffered. After what was stolen from him through no fault of his own. It might appear upon reflection that Dantes (the Count, after his escape) spent too much time brooding, planning, scheming, and executing his designs for revenge and took things too far, but keep in mind these individuals didn't just stop with Edmond. They continued to betray and scheme others while he was in prison and indeed before he came back into their lives as the Count. Danglars, Mondego, and DeVillefort continued to behave despicably even after their success of removing Dantes from their lives. Greed, infidelity, infanticide, betrayal were part of their decisions before the Count exposed them. And he did in such a way that the traps he set were only sprung because of their own choices. It also proves that these men were not merely "one-time offenders." My favorite part (other than the satisfaction of seeing the downfall of his enemies) is when the Count realizes he HAS taken things too far and decides to show a modicum of mercy toward his last target. He then states in a letter before departing that he realizes his ego and his thirst for revenge got the better of him and he needs to quell his appetite for justice. I consider the ending of the book bittersweet because even though things cannot ever go back to the way they were before everything took a left turn in his life, the Count is granted a chance at living the rest of his life in relative happiness. It is then that he finally, truly feels free. Not only free from the physical prison that he escaped or from the mental one of his own making he was trapped in for roughly a decade afterward, but free from his own sense of obligation. I think most of us wish we could be like the Count. Not the wealthy part, but the idea that we could affect the way the world works insofar as punishing the cruel and wicked and rewarding the kind and sincere. And until that day comes, we can only do what the two words which contain all human wisdom (according to the Count of Monte Cristo) tell us... [....] and [....]! You'll have to read the book to find out what they are!

His quest for revenge was a jail of his own making, in a way.

Alexandre Dumas pere's father was an African-French general (& son of a French marquis) who was thoroughly shafted by Napoleon Bonaparte. General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie languished in a Neapolitan prison until, his health broken, he was finally returned to France. Dumas pere poured a lot of his family's sense of outrage and betrayal into "The Count of Monte Cristo," precisely because real justice failed the General. So Dumas pere spent a considerable amount of *time* writing a revenge story with elements of the truth embedded in his narrative.

I love this story!! I love your analysis of it. And even your respect for no spoilers for those who haven’t read it. I only recently found your channel, and have been obsessed watching your trash my shelves. I adore fiction and fantasy. So even though we don’t have the same reading tastes, I do appreciate your approach and style. And your make up style too. Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. Can’t wait to see what you show next!

This is why I was so thrilled when you mentioned planning to read it - I just knew a thought-provoking and intelligent video would follow!

I love this story but while the revenge part is satisfying, the part that gets me is the sense of the tragedy.... and the skill of the writing, both of translator and author. This was cool! Thanks :)

I absolutely adored The Count of Monte Cristo! And for precisely the reasons you discuss in this video: that sweet, sweet revenge! But I do agree that the tale becomes bittersweet when we think about all that wasted time and wasted life that Dantes dedicated to that elaborate scheme. I'm currently reading The Black Count by Tom Reiss, which is a biography of Alexandre Dumas's father that, among other things, argues that Dumas took inspiration for Edmund Dantes from the life of his father, and particularly its tragic end. I would definitely recommend it based on what I've read so far x

Hi Olive! Love your makeup color scheme today. I think I’ll get that candle, too. I know my sister will love it, since it “smells expensive.” Thanks for sharing. Yes we love revenge. The Count of Monte Cristo allows us to get those vibes vicariously.

I have heard such good reviews of TCMC on Booktube and your video absolutely sells. I am definitely going to read this one this year.

I never thought of it that way. I’m going to have to read it again.

Just finished this last night and loved it!! Also your hair looks SO smooth and silky and healthy!

Wonderful video ! You have inspired me to read the book. I purchased the Champagne and Bartlett Pear candle inspired by “ The Great Gatsby” and love the champagne bottle charm inside. As far as revenge stories, Pumpkin’s act against Chiyo in “Memoirs of a Geisha” was a memorable scene in the book and film adaptation. I think the adage “ success is the best revenge” is a win/win scenario. You focus on yourself and still get the desired effect.

So she thinks that if she got a lot of money she could just forget about a thing like that? Betrayal, the years in jail, father starved to death, his mentor self deleted. I would have been impossible for me to just move on and forget.

Great insight!!

reading the count of monte cristo made me realise that i cannot stand revenge stories 🙈 they make me exceedingly anxious, because i cannot grasp why people would choose to spend that much energy on revenge when they could spend it on making their own life better.

I can affirm, this is a really great book.

Yes, these were some great thoughts on revenge tales. I love The Count of Monte Cristo.

I was definitely one of those people 😅 Its definitely my favourite book and I plan to reread it this year with the Robin Buss translation as I've heard its the best.

I do not understand the people who say that he "wasted" his years, resources or whatever for revenge... Yeah ok i know that the book is supposed to give this message too, but people judge from an external point, that of the audience, Edmond was the one that was betrayed so he wanted his revenge, THIS IS WHAT HE WANTED it was not really any waste of time or waste of resources it was his justice.

Read it in March, and loved it!!! 🤗❤

When I graduate this book and House of Leaves are my reward books . 2 years from now I can enjoy these two books.

I just finished the book. I dare say it was the first classic novel I've ever read and I'm excited to get into the other great literatures out there 💯

I read Count of Monte Cristo almost 20 years ago now, I'm going to have to reread it sometime soon! I think for me as I grew older there's a sense of tragedy in the revenge stories as well. And that realization that the main characters sometimes have, that they wasted their lives is a great reminder to learn from the past but not to dwell in it. Also that people who are all about revenge tend to be bitter, miserable people who can no longer find the joy in life.

I've just read this at the beggining of this year! it definitely makes you think if it was all worth it... personally I still find it very hard not to want "old testament god-like vengeful justice" kskskks but in real life more and more I see myself realizing that it's just a waist of my time and piece of mind... like you said, at least in books we have some taste of a perfect revenge fantasy (and that should be the name of the genre ksksk)

Great review. I love the Count. What I found amazing this book was written over 200 yrs ago and still captivates today. On youtube there is a 6 hr movie with subtitles starring Gerard Depardieu as the Count. I highly recommend. It follows the book well.

Reading it for the 3rd time. Love the count.

I actually DNFed Monte Cristo earlier this year and I think it was because I was listening to the audiobook and I got so very lost. I suppose now I'm going to have to pick up the physical copy. Or, actually, probably an e-book because I suspect holding that book would be very tiring for the wrists.

I read this for school years ago, only to find out I had an abridged edition after if already finished the book. I still loved it, though. I wouldn't mind picking up an unabridged edition and giving it another read.

The count is not only defines revenge it gives back gratitude from whom he has to owe the plot designs ultimate characters unusual imagination and values of human nature one should have together adore and respect and adopt them selves individually from India

I have question do you feel that The Count of Monte Cristo should have ended at a different point because spoiler After a certain point it seemed like a different book and turned almost soap opera ish after the duel does not happen.

"So much for revenge."

I want to read this soooo badly

Full disclosure - I LOVE North Avenue Candles!!!!! Thanks for your recommendation. I ordered multiple times and plan to continue ordering candles from this company. Great, quality product.

Olive! So I bought 2 of those candles, one for me and one for my sister for Mother's Day. So tell me, what is this super tiny silver sword in here? It's sitting right on top of the wax???

Ironically, I like a lot of revenge stories that harken back to The Count of Monte Cristo but I am not a fan of the book itself. I read Dantes as a villain to be punished not an antihero or someone to be redeemed.

take the story or 47 Ronin for example. A story of loyalty, revenge and atonement that serves as the foundation of Japanese culture.

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I've searched across the internet for the actual term of this “psychology of revenge” thing, but unsuccessful. It may have a technical name attached to it because otherwise the book and Hollywood wouldn't use it aware of the fact it works to keep the audience into it. I'd love to know, in case you find out.

Hi

I LOVE THAT Book and have since I read it in both english and french in high school. Thats the firist time i learned that different versions are indeed different .The French version has scenes not in the English. And SCREW hollywood for ruining it with that terrible movie