CHAPTER SUMMARIES AND NOTES

CHAPTER 36 - The Carnival at Rome

Summary

The Count is the only one of the three men not horrified by the execution of the man who was beaten to death, and afterwards they proceed to enjoy the carnival in the streets of Rome. That night, the Count gives Albert and Franz his carriage and seats at the theater. Throughout the Carnival, Albert flirts with a masked woman, with whom he hopes to have an adventurous love affair. He receives a note from her, asking him to meet her in the evening. The masked woman approaches Albert in the middle of a crowd, and the two leave together.

Notes

In this chapter, Dumas describes Italian customs, terms and the famous Carnival. AlbertÂ’s arrogance is, not surprisingly, getting him into trouble.

CHAPTER 37 - The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Summary

Franz receives a letter from Albert via a messenger advising him that he has been kidnapped and immediately needs Franz to seek the letter of credit from his pocketbook and withdraw 4,000 piastres. The message includes a note from Luigi Vampa stating that if the money is not received by 6 a.m. the following day, Albert will be killed. Finding that he and Albert combined do not have 4,000 piastres, Franz asks the Count of Monte Cristo for help, who offers him the money he needs. Franz presses further, implying he knows of the close relationship between the Count and Luigi Vampa. The Count is surprised, but does not ask how Franz knows of his involvement in the rescue of Peppino and agrees to go see Vampa with Franz.

The Count has the messenger who delivered the message to Franz come to his room and it is Peppino. Peppino explains that Albert was targeted because he had been flirting with VampaÂ’s girlfriend, Teresa, during the Carnival. The three men go to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian where VampaÂ’s band of bandits has a hidden home. Vampa immediately releases Albert when he learns that Albert is a friend of the CountÂ’s and is anxious to repair the damage. The three leave and Albert proceeds immediately to a ball to which they had been invited for the evening.

Notes

The Count learns that Franz has discovered his identity, which surprises him, and rescues Albert, further indebting him to the Count. Albert is as arrogant as ever, and the Count is evidently repulsed by him: "Franz was considering the singular shudder that had passed over the Count of Monte Cristo at the moment when he had been, in some sort, forced to give his hand to Albert." We also learn in this chapter how devoted Vampa is to the Count.

CHAPTER 38 - The Compact

Summary

The following day, Albert repeats his thanks to the Count and promises to render him whatever service he can in return for his help. The Count immediately replies that as he has never been to Paris, he would appreciate it if Albert could introduce him to Parisian society when he moves there in about three months. Albert readily agrees and leaves the following day for Paris. Franz expresses his nervousness regarding the CountÂ’s planned trip to Paris, telling Albert the story of his first meeting with the Count at the Island of Monte Cristo and then about the conversation he overheard at the Colosseum. Albert is not at all concerned as he is still very impressed by the CountÂ’s money, resourcefulness, manners and all the things the Count had given him and Franz.

Notes

The Count states his intention to allow Albert to repay him by having Albert act as his guide when he is in Paris: "I give you my solemn assurance that I only awaited an opportunity like the present to realise plans that I have long meditated." Albert and Franz’ naiveté regarding the Count is illustrated, however, when Albert expresses his high esteem of the Count, who helped Albert despite not knowing anything about him. As readers, of course, we know that the Count is perfectly aware who Albert is.

CHAPTER 39 - The Guests

Summary

Three months later on the appointed date of the CountÂ’s arrival, Albert has prepared his obviously beautiful home, which he shares with his parents, for the arrival of the Count and some friends. M. Lucien Debray, a private secretary to the Minister of the Interior arrives, and he and Albert discuss how M. Danglars made a million francs the day before as a result of receiving timely political intelligence. Another friend, M. Beauchamp, an editor of a newspaper critical of the government, arrives and the men await the Count and a fourth guest for breakfast.

Notes

This chapter is important for its introduction of all the supporting characters in the novel including Lucien Debray (who we learn is very acquainted with the Danglars, particularly Madame Danglars, who Debray gives political information to in return for funds made through the relay of his political intelligence) and Beauchamp.

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