Contents
Chapter 111.
Overview
Villefort rushes home intending to save his wife, but finds Madame de Villefort dead by poison and their son Edward also poisoned. The Abbé Busoni reveals himself as Edmond Dantès. Confronted with the consequences of his vengeance, Monte Cristo is shaken as Villefort descends into madness. Monte Cristo resolves to depart Paris, fearing he has gone too far.
Summary
Leaving the court in shock after his confession, Villefort races home, terrified that his condemnation has driven his wife to suicide. He resolves to save her, flee Paris, and redeem her through shared repentance for their crimes, clinging to the hope of protecting their son Edward.
At home, Villefort forces open Madame de Villefort’s chamber and finds her dead with a poison vial. Learning Edward had been summoned to her room, he discovers the boy lifeless on the boudoir couch. A note states that, as a good mother, she could not depart without her son. Villefort, crushed, perceives the hand of God in the catastrophe.
Seeking a witness to his ruin, Villefort goes to Noirtier’s room, where the Abbé Busoni prays over Valentine. The abbé reveals himself as the Count of Monte Cristo, then as Edmond Dantès, the man Villefort condemned at Marseilles. Villefort drags Dantès to the bodies, demanding if he is satisfied with his vengeance.
Horrified and remorseful, Monte Cristo tries in vain to revive Edward, then reverently returns the child beside his mother. Villefort’s reason shatters; he rushes into the garden and obsessively digs for an imagined grave, ignoring Monte Cristo’s attempt at consolation.
Recoiling from the madness he has unleashed, Monte Cristo fears he has exceeded justice. He resolves to “save the last” and leaves the house. He tells Maximilian Morrel they depart Paris the next day. They leave with only Baptistin; Haïdée departs with Ali, and Bertuccio remains to attend Noirtier.
Who Appears
- undefinedProsecutor whose confession precedes tragedy; finds wife and son poisoned; descends into madness, digging in the garden.
- undefinedReveals true identity to Villefort; witnesses the poisoned child; feels remorse and decides to leave Paris.
- undefinedCommits suicide by poison and kills her son, leaving a note justifying her act as a mother.
- Edward de VillefortYoung son of Villefort and Héloïse; found poisoned beside his mother.
- Noirtier de VillefortParalyzed patriarch; present when the Abbé Busoni reveals himself to Villefort.
- undefinedMonte Cristo’s disguise while confronting Villefort; sheds the guise to reveal he is Dantès.
- Maximilian MorrelMeets Monte Cristo after the tragedy; prepares to leave Paris with him.
- undefinedMonte Cristo’s servant; accompanies him and Morrel when they depart Paris.
- undefinedLeaves separately with Ali as Monte Cristo withdraws from Paris.
- BertuccioRemains behind to attend Noirtier after Monte Cristo departs.