The Count of Monte Cristo Literary Analysis
The Count of Monte Cristo is a book written by French author Alexandre Dumas. It features the story of a young man who is the victim of false imprisonment by a friend. After the young man escapes from prison, he uses hidden treasures to exact revenge. It is an amazing book filled with numerous literary devices. However, metaphors do not feature prominently and there are few of them. As the reader goes through the book, a clear theme emerges Dantez realization that he cannot take God’s role. As a consequence of this, there is no need for such metaphors. Below is a literary analysis of the metaphors found in the book.
Firstly, the title of the book, “The Count of Monte Cristo” is used metaphorically. It may mislead the reader into thinking that the book is a story of power. From the story, we learn how Dantez became the Count because it is on the island of Monte Cristo that he found the hidden treasure. This metaphorically represents hidden wealth and power, which is known only to some. Like Dantez, his true identity is known only by a few people, but from his appearance, he seems like a wealthy and powerful man. The name of Christ is also expertly used to metaphorically represent Dante’s deeds in acting as God. He punishes the wrongdoers and rewards those that did right by him and his family and friends.
Secondly, the sea as used in the book has metaphorical significance. When Dantez escapes from prison, he dives into the sea, thereby experiencing the second baptism of sorts. By this, he renews the dedication of his soul to God. During his time in prison, he suffered a metaphorical death, which was the death of his loving and innocent self. He emerges from the sea as a hateful and bitter man, bent on exacting vengeance upon his foes. The sea’s waters wash him and give him freedom and he is completely reborn as a transformed man. After spending years in the cell, he is no longer an innocent young sailor, but rather a distrustful, hardened and bitter man. It is this baptism that changes him from Dantez to the Count of Monte Cristo and propels him into deceit and treachery. Throughout the novel, the sea continually features prominently even after Dante’s metaphorical baptism. He considers himself as