Dantès Meets Napoleon (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 1)

The Countdown of Monte Cristo

📚 Summary:
Edmond Dantès reveals to M. Morrel that he met Napoleon while delivering a packet to Marshal Bertrand at Elba. Napoleon recognized the Morrel family name, recalling a connection with M. Morrel’s uncle, Policar, who served with him in Valence. Delighted by the story, M. Morrel encourages Dantès to share it with his uncle, while also cautioning that interacting with Napoleon could lead to trouble if discovered.

✨ What Happens:

• Dantès confirms he met Napoleon during his visit to Marshal Bertrand’s apartment on Elba.
• Napoleon inquires about the Pharaon’s voyage, its cargo, and its ownership.
• Napoleon recalls serving with M. Morrel’s uncle, Policar Morrel, creating a personal connection to the ship’s owner.
• M. Morrel, thrilled by the story, praises Dantès for following Captain Leclère’s instructions but warns him of the potential risks of dealing with Napoleon.

💡 Thoughts & Reflections:

• M. Morrel’s delight over the Napoleon connection hints at his admiration—or opportunism. Should we be side-eyeing him for being a little too impressed by fame?
• Morrel’s starstruck vibes feel foppish, as though he’d revel in casually name-dropping this encounter at a dinner party.

📖 Tidbits & Research:

• Napoleon’s Time in Valence: Before rising to power, Napoleon served as a young artillery officer in Valence, where he likely crossed paths with Policar Morrel.
• The Danger of Napoleon’s Name: In post-revolutionary France, even mentioning Napoleon could be politically risky, let alone interacting with him directly.

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