In life there are many things that will trouble us. When people do

things that hurt us, it is our nature to seek revenge on that person. In the

Count of Monte Cristo, written by Alexander Dumas, there were several

examples of revenge throughout the novel. Although there are many other

themes expressed in this novel, the most prevalent is how people who seek

revenge get more than what they expect.

In the letter Edmond sent to Maximilian, Dantes makes an interesting

quote about revenge. In his quote, he tells Maximilian to trust God with his

problems and let God handle your problems and don’t let yourself feel equal

to God. The direct quote, “Tell the angel who will watch over your life to

pray now, and then for a man who, like Satan, believed in himself for an

instant to be equal to God, but who realized in all humanity that supreme

power and wisdom are in the hands of God alone”( ). This quote added in

the letter was not only inspirational but very interesting because it came

from experience. When a quote is said from experience, it adds more

importance to the quote. Dantes also shows how revenge is highly powerful

and such power should not be in the hands of man but in the hands of a

higher power.

Another quote mentioned within The Count of Monte Cristo that

involves revenge refers to the count’s view on revenge. The count does not

believe that there are any extenuating circumstances. Revenge is revenge,

and nothing should interfere with it, even across generations. The direct

quote from the novel says, “It is written that the sins of the father shall be

visited on the sons, even to the third and fourth generation.”( ). Following

through with such a policy can easily lead to a long standing family feud.

This quote also shows how revenge is taken differently from person to

person.

Another quote of revenge was more powerful than previous quotes in

this paper. This quote is from Villefort when Dantes is confronted with the

dead bodies of Villefort’s wife and son. The quote directly from the novel

was, “Look, Edmond Dantes; are you satisfied with your vengeance” ( ). This

shows how revenge can easily go wrong. If you consume yourself in

revenge, you can severely harm someone else; in this case, Dantes killed

Villefort’s wife and son.

In life there are many events where revenge faces us, nut it is up to

you to determine whether or not involving yourself is necessary and if you

can justify when “too much” has been done. It is always best to talk your

issues out with that person(s) or to seek other methods. Revenge can be

over exaggerated easily and taken out of hand, and is never for anyone.