How to Read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Introduction

The transcript introduces the story of "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas and discusses its popularity and enduring appeal.

The Story of "The Count of Monte Cristo"

• At 19 years old, the protagonist's life is looking promising with a promotion at work and an upcoming marriage.

• However, he is falsely imprisoned as a political prisoner, losing everything.

• The story revolves around his journey to escape, seek revenge, and be reborn.

• "The Count of Monte Cristo" was published serially from 1844 to 1846 and brought international fame to Alexandre Dumas.

• The fast-paced plot filled with exciting incidents and cliffhangers captivates readers.

Alexander Dumas' Writing Process

This section explores Alexander Dumas' writing process and his prolific output.

Alexander Dumas' Life and Writing Style

• Dumas lived a life that could have been a story in one of his books, traveling across Europe while writing multiple stories simultaneously.

• He wrote at a furious pace, leaving behind a trail of words, creditors, and mistresses.

• Due to the nature of his storytelling style, the plot-driven narrative keeps readers engaged.

Making Your Engagement Meaningful

Tips on how to make your engagement with "The Count of Monte Cristo" meaningful and rewarding.

Choosing the Right Translation

• Selecting the right translation is crucial for enjoying the book fully.

• A good translation can make you fall in love with a book while a bad one may lead to abandoning it.

• The recommended translation for "The Count of Monte Cristo" is the Penguin Edition translated by Robin Buss.

• Some translations stick rigidly to the original text, but it's important to find one that gets you into the story and feels natural in the target language.

Comparing Translations

A comparison of two popular translations of "The Count of Monte Cristo" to help readers choose the right one.

Taste Test: Two Popular Translations

• The 1846 Anonymous translation published by Chapman and Hall set the standards for English translations.

• However, this translation feels stiff and not written in natural English.

• Most new translations are based on that Anonymous translation, including the Oxford World's Classics editions.

• The recommended translation is the Penguin Edition translated by Robin Buss, which is more enjoyable to read and captures the exhilarating adventure of the story.

Conclusion

"The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas is a gripping tale of revenge, escape, and rebirth. Choosing the right translation can greatly enhance your reading experience. The Penguin Edition translated by Robin Buss is highly recommended for its engaging style.

Introduction to Translator's Rationale

The translator, Robin Bus, explains the importance of reading a translator's rationale for their choices. Translators often feel the need to defend and protect their work, as they want others to share their love for literature.

Importance of Translator's Rationale

• Translators are passionate about their work and want to fight for it.

• The aggressive tone in translators' prefaces is due to their love for literature.

• The anonymous translation of "The Count of Monte Cristo" is criticized by Bus.

• The classic version of the translation is occasionally inaccurate and written in an antiquated English style.

• There are numerous omissions and simplifications in the anonymous translation compared to Dumas' original text.

Aims of Bus's Translation

Robin Bus discusses his aims as a translator and addresses common misconceptions about translation. He emphasizes the importance of accuracy and readability in his translation.

Misconceptions About Translation

• Academic theorists sometimes view translation as a terrain for theoretical debate or a moral issue.

• Ordinary readers prefer translations that do not read like translations.

• Reviewers often fail to appreciate the process involved in translation.

Aims of Bus's Translation

• To convey the pleasure of reading Dumas' work to those who cannot read it in the original language.

• To provide an accurate and readable translation that captures the essence of Dumas' writing.

Comparison: Robin Bus vs Anonymous Translation

A comparison is made between Robin Bus's translation and one based on the anonymous translation. Two passages from both translations are presented for analysis.

Passage 1: Robin Bus Translation

"In answer to the question of whether he has some kind of ambition, The Count of Monte Cristo says, 'Yes, I do have one like every other man at least once in his life. I too have been carried up by Satan to the highest mountain on earth...'"

Passage 1: Anonymous Translation

"In response to the question of whether he has an ambition, he says, 'I have sir, I too as happens to every man once in his life have been taken by Satan into the highest mountain in the earth...'"

Passage 2: Robin Bus Translation

"I want to be Providence because the thing that I know which is finest, greatest and most sublime in the world is to reward and to punish..."

Passage 2: Anonymous Translation

"I wish to be Providence myself for I feel that the finest noblest most sublime thing in the world is to recompense and punish..."

Conclusion

In this transcript, Robin Bus discusses the importance of a translator's rationale and compares his translation of "The Count of Monte Cristo" with one based on an anonymous translation. He emphasizes accuracy and readability in his translation while addressing common misconceptions about translation.

Translation Comparison

The speaker discusses the differences between two translations of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and their accessibility.

Comparing Translations

• The Robin Buss translation is described as modern and accessible.

• The anonymous translation in the Oxford World's Classics Edition is considered antiquated with strange syntax and difficult lexical choices.

Flavor Preference

The speaker talks about personal preferences in translation style and asks for audience input.

Personal Preferences

• The older translation may sound more poetic, but the Robin Buss translation is seen as more accessible.

• Audience members are encouraged to share their preferred translation.

Reading with Awareness of First Reader

The speaker recommends reading "The Count of Monte Cristo" with an understanding of its original publication history.

Publication History Appreciation

• "The Count of Monte Cristo" was originally published in serial form.

• Following serialized literature can enhance appreciation for great books.

• Examples are given, such as reading Charles Dickens' works in monthly or weekly installments.

Benefits of Serialized Reading

The speaker explains the benefits of reading literature in serialized form.

Benefits of Serialization

• Reading serialized literature requires slowing down and exercising portion control.

• It allows for anticipation, discussion, and speculation between installments.

• Serialized reading creates a different experience and fosters engagement with characters and events.

Return to Episodic Reading

The speaker discusses the cultural shift towards a return to episodic reading and delayed gratification.

Return to Delayed Gratification

• The culture is embracing a return to episodic reading and delayed gratification.

• Binge-watching TV series for immediate gratification is no longer as satisfying.

• Viewers now prefer serialized releases, allowing for discussion and prolonging the enjoyment of a series.

Emotional Connection with Books

The speaker explores the emotional connection readers have with books and the desire for them not to end.

Emotional Attachment to Books

• When reaching the end of a favorite book, emotions can vary from excitement to sadness.

• A bittersweet feeling may arise when completing a beloved work.

• "The Count of Monte Cristo" is one such book that readers don't want to end.

Reading Multiple Books

The speaker discusses how reading literature in different formats allows for more books to be enjoyed simultaneously.

Mixing Up Reading Formats

• Mixing up reading formats (audio, serial, binge) enables reading multiple books at once.

• Alexander Dumas wrote prolifically during the heyday of serialized literature.

Fascination with Serialized Literature

The speaker expresses fascination with the era of serialized literature in the early 19th century.

Fascination with Serialized Literature

• The speaker expresses a strong interest in the early 19th-century era of serialized literature.

• If given a time machine, they would love to experience that period firsthand and observe conversations about "The Count of Monte Cristo."

Serialization History

The speaker provides historical context on serialization and its impact on publishing.

Rise of Serial Stories

• Cheap newspapers like Le Sierkla and LA Press increased circulation by running novels in serial form.

• Readers were enticed to buy subsequent papers to continue following their favorite stories.

• There were bidding wars and rivalries among newspapers for top writers like Alexander Dumas.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes the discussion on serialized literature and its impact on readership.

Impact of Serialization

• Serialized literature increased circulation for newspapers and engaged readers.

• Sharing stories with others enhances the reading experience.

• "The Count of Monte Cristo" was serialized from August 1844 to January 1846, spanning two years.

Alexander Dumas: The Fiction Factory

This section discusses the writing process of Alexander Dumas and his collaboration with others in creating his extensive body of work.

Alexander Dumas' Writing Process

• Dumas had a unique writing process that involved working with collaborators, researchers, and ghostwriters.

• He wrote over 600 books, including plays, historical novels, travel logs, and adventure stories like "The Count of Monte Cristo."

• Collaborators played an important role in the composition process and should not detract from our appreciation of Dumas' work.

• Collaboration is a common practice in literature throughout history.

Auguste McKay: Dumas' Main Collaborator

• Auguste McKay was Dumas' main collaborator and worked closely with him on many of his best stories, including "The Count of Monte Cristo."

• They would workshop the plot together and McKay helped with historical details.

• Historical accuracy was important to create an immersive reading experience.

Reading "The Count of Monte Cristo"

• The original serial publication of "The Count of Monte Cristo" consisted of 139 installments.

• It is recommended to read it serially but can be challenging due to its length.

• A suggested pace is roughly 100 pages per lecture or about 10 pages per day.

• Readers are encouraged to find their own comfortable pace and embrace the adventure at their own speed.

Appreciating Great Storytelling

• Dumas popularized the use of cliffhangers in storytelling.

• It can be difficult to slow down while reading due to the suspense created by cliffhangers.

• Readers are encouraged to pause, think about why they want to read on, and appreciate the mechanics behind great storytelling.

Conclusion

• Collaboration was an integral part of Alexander Dumas' writing process.

• Reading "The Count of Monte Cristo" can be done at a personalized pace, with suggestions for both serial reading and daily portioning.

• Appreciating the mechanics of storytelling can enhance the reading experience.

The transcript is already in English, so there is no need to respond in a different language.

The Captivating Story of The Count of Monte Cristo

Alexander Dumas intended audience when he wrote The Count of Monte Cristo. It is considered a captivating story with elements of children's literature. Critics view this as a compliment, as it signifies the presence of a rich storytelling tradition in the novel.

The Nature of Romance in The Count of Monte Cristo

• The term "romance" in the context of The Count of Monte Cristo refers to stories that revolve around chivalry, love, honor, justice, divine retribution, and moral tales.

• Alexander Dumas is considered a romantic writer in both the traditional sense and the 19th-century sense. This includes elements such as melodrama, emotional rollercoasters, tragic heroes, tension, exotic locales, secret passages, and mysterious settings.

• Dumas drew inspiration from Napoleonic campaigns and tales from Thousand and One Nights.

Classicism vs Romanticism

• During the time when Dumas was writing, there was a battle between classicism and romanticism in French literature.

• Classicism represented universal themes, refined language, clear genre distinctions.

• Romanticism embraced energy, modern subjects mixing genres, openness to foreign influences (especially Shakespeare).

Beware of Spoilers

• For first-time readers or those unfamiliar with the original novel, it is recommended to avoid spoilers by refraining from looking up information online or watching adaptations before reading the book.

• While one may be familiar with the broad strokes or have seen movie adaptations before reading the book for the first time, it is important to experience the richness and rewards offered by the original text.

Plot-driven Storytelling

• The Count of Monte Cristo falls into the category of plot-driven stories rather than character-driven ones.

• While readers will fall in love with the characters, the plot is what drives the narrative and keeps readers engaged.

The Fascinating Life of Alexander Dumas

An exploration of Alexander Dumas' life, his impact on literature, and his larger-than-life persona.

A Force of Nature

• Alexander Dumas was a robust and energetic man with vast appetites.

• His influence on literature was immense, with sparks from his writing igniting fires that continue to burn today.

Early Life and Background

• Born in 1802 in a royalist village near Paris.

• His surname had a bonapartist ring to it due to his father's background.

• Learning about his father's life is essential to understanding Dumas himself.

Recommendation for Further Reading

• Tom Reiss' biography offers valuable insights into the life of Alexander Dumas.

• Understanding the author's background enhances the reading experience of his works.

Alexander Dumas and the Name Dumar

This section provides background information on Alexander Dumas' family history and the origin of his name.

The Origin of the Name Dumar

• Alexander's father, Thomas Alexander, was born in Saint Domingo in 1786 to a slave named Marie Dumar.

• Thomas took his mother's name and enlisted as a private soldier in Revolution-era France.

• When Thomas passed away, Alexander had to decide whether to change his name or keep his grandmother's name, which was associated with Napoleon's army.

• Despite potential difficulties finding employment under the Bourbon Restoration, Alexander chose to keep the name Dumar.

The Historical Context of "The Count of Monte Cristo"

This section highlights the importance of understanding the Napoleonic era for a better appreciation of "The Count of Monte Cristo."

The Setting and Historical Period

• "The Count of Monte Cristo" opens in 1815, just as Napoleon is about to leave exile on the island of Elba.

• Knowledge of the Napoleonic era is essential for fully understanding the novel.

• Exploring this historical period will enhance our appreciation and provide insights into a fascinating time.

Inspiration for "The Count of Monte Cristo"

This section discusses how Alexandre Dumas found inspiration for "The Count of Monte Cristo" and its connection to real-life events.

The Spark of Inspiration

• In 1857, Alexandre Dumas came across an anecdote from a former police archivist called "Revenge and the Diamond."

• This story captivated Dumas' imagination and became the basis for "The Count of Monte Cristo."

• Dumas promised Prince Napoleon, whom he accompanied on a sailing trip to Elba in 1842, that he would write a novel featuring the island of Montecristo.

• A year later, Dumas signed a contract with a publisher for an eight-volume set of travel and historical guides.

The Story Behind "The Count of Monte Cristo"

This section delves into the real-life story that inspired Alexandre Dumas and provides an overview of its plot.

The Real-Life Story

• The inspiration for "The Count of Monte Cristo" came from an anecdote found by Dumas in the writings of a former police archivist.

• The story, called "Revenge and the Diamond," revolves around four friends, jealousy, betrayal, imprisonment, and revenge.

• One friend announces his plans to marry into wealth but is denounced as an English spy by the other three out of envy.

• Imprisoned for seven years, he befriends another prisoner who eventually leaves him his fortune before dying.

• Upon returning to Paris as a wealthy man, he seeks revenge on each of his former friends one by one.

Shakespeare's Influence on Alexandre Dumas

This section explores how Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" influenced Alexandre Dumas' desire to become a writer and shaped his storytelling style.

Hamlet as Inspiration

• "Hamlet" had a profound impact on Alexandre Dumas and sparked his passion for writing.

• Witnessing the play was a life-changing experience that made him realize the potential of theater.

• Scenes from "Hamlet" shook him to his core and revealed what theater could be.

• Inspired by both "Hamlet" and the real-life story behind "The Count of Monte Cristo," Dumas began writing the novel.

Writing "The Count of Monte Cristo"

This section discusses the writing process of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and the importance of dramatic elements in the story.

The Writing Process

• Alexandre Dumas initially started writing "The Count of Monte Cristo" from Chapter 31, a quarter of the way into the book.

• His collaborator, McKay, advised him to go back and write the most dramatic parts of the story, including betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, and escape.

• McKay's suggestion proved crucial as these scenes became some of the most iconic in the novel.

• While exposition-heavy at the beginning, it is essential for readers to become invested in the story before delving into its thrilling events.

The Motivation to Keep Reading

In this section, the speaker discusses how the chapter called "An Italian Scholar" in Edmonds' book can motivate readers to continue reading voraciously. The idea of having a well-chosen collection of 150 books that provide a complete summary of human knowledge is highlighted.

The Power of Well-Chosen Books

• Edmund asks Abby Faria about his extensive library in Rome, and Faria explains that by carefully choosing 150 books and re-reading them, one can gain almost a complete knowledge of everything necessary.

• Faria devoted three years to reading and re-reading these 150 volumes, which allowed him to know them by heart.

• Edmund is astonished by Faria's abilities and starts considering him almost supernatural.

Understanding Human Psychology

This section emphasizes the importance of understanding human psychology while reading "The Count of Monte Cristo." It suggests reflecting on how the themes in the book relate to one's own life, worldviews, and personal growth.

Applying Themes to Life

• Readers are encouraged to think about how the themes in the book inform their understanding of the world, human psychology, and their own process of rebirth or breaking free.

• The speaker mentions the hero's journey as a quest similar to what readers may experience. They relate it to Edmond Dantes' character development throughout the story.

• Edmund Dantes uses his time imprisoned to develop his mind and gain an understanding of what motivates others.

The Journey Towards Revenge

This section explores Edmond Dantes' transformation from naivety to seeking revenge after being wrongfully imprisoned for 14 years. It raises questions about the satisfaction and worthiness of revenge as a life mission.

The Power of Imprisonment

• Edmond Dantes' imprisonment for a crime he didn't commit leads to a powerful transformation in his character.

• He starts to understand the motivations of others and uses this awareness to trap them.

• Reviewers who question his revenge fail to consider the impact of being locked up unjustly for years.

Questioning Revenge as a Life Mission

This section prompts readers to reflect on whether vengeance is ultimately satisfying and if there are more divine alternatives. It references biblical quotes and suggests that external battles are subservient to internal battles.

The Divine Hand of Providence

• Edmond Dantes sees himself as an instrument of God's vengeance, but it is important to remember the biblical quote "vengeance is mine saith the Lord, I will repay."

• The speaker encourages readers to ponder whether revenge is a worthy way to orient themselves in the world.

• The story raises questions about whether revenge alone can bring true fulfillment or if there are higher purposes one could choose instead.

Discussing and Sharing the Reading Experience

This section emphasizes the importance of discussing "The Count of Monte Cristo" with others. It highlights how sharing insights and perspectives can enhance understanding and meaning.

Making Reading Communal

• Readers are advised to discuss the book with others, either in groups or with loved ones, as it enriches the reading experience.

• Engaging in discussions allows for different insights based on others' points of view, lived experiences, and backgrounds.

• By sharing thoughts and perspectives, readers crowdsource meaning from various perspectives.

Reader Experiences with "The Count of Monte Cristo"

This section invites readers to share their experiences with "The Count of Monte Cristo" and provide advice for other readers, whether it's their first read or a reread.

Engaging with the Community

• Readers are asked if they are preparing for their first read or gearing up for a reread of "The Count of Monte Cristo."

• The speaker encourages sharing spoiler-free advice and insights to help others navigate the book.

• Joining the hardcore literature book club's read-along is suggested as an opportunity to engage with a community of literature lovers.