Contents
Chapter 110.
Overview
In open court, Andrea shocks Paris by declaring himself Villefort’s illegitimate son, born and buried alive at Auteuil. His precise revelations shatter Villefort, who publicly confirms the accusation and effectively resigns. Madame Danglars faints, the session is adjourned, and the scandal detonates across society, redirecting the entire prosecution.
Summary
The court convenes amid intense anticipation, with M. de Villefort composed yet closely watched. Andrea (Benedetto) enters calm and poised, ignoring the damning indictment Villefort has crafted. When questioned, Andrea insists on answering in his own order, states his birthdate and birthplace, and coolly lists his crimes.
Andrea then declares he does not know his own name but knows his father’s: the king’s attorney, Villefort. The courtroom erupts. Regaining attention, Andrea details his birth at Auteuil on 27 September 1817, his supposed death, and burial alive by his father, evidenced by a napkin marked with H and N. He recounts being saved by a man seeking vengeance on Villefort and then raised in Corsica.
Andrea frames his criminality as the consequence of his origin and abandonment, asking for pity for his fate while sparing his mother, whom he claims not to know. A woman faints and is recognized as Madame Danglars. Pressed for proofs, Andrea points to Villefort’s demeanor. Villefort, shattered, steps forward and confirms Andrea’s claims, submitting himself to the authority of his successor.
The president adjourns the sitting for fresh inquiries; the case will be retried before another magistrate. Society observers—Beauchamp, Chateau-Renaud, and Debray—remark on the catastrophe; Andrea is escorted out, remarkably composed, as even the guards show him inadvertent deference.
Who Appears
- undefinedAccused; boldly claims Villefort as his father, recounts burial alive, remains composed and commanding.
- undefinedKing’s attorney; visibly unravels under Andrea’s revelations and publicly confirms his guilt.
- undefinedLeads the proceedings, challenges Andrea for proofs, and adjourns the sitting for new inquiries.
- undefinedFaints during Andrea’s revelations; her distress hints at her link to the scandal.
- undefinedSpectator; comments cynically on the catastrophe and tips a guard for impressions.
- BeauchampJournalist observer; remarks on the dramatic, unprecedented turn of events.
- undefinedSpectator; compares Villefort’s downfall unfavorably to Morcerf’s end.
- undefinedYoung, nervous advocate beside Andrea, overshadowed by the accused’s audacity.