How Does The Count Of Monte Cristo Show The Abuse Of Power

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Abraham Lincoln once said,“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” In the song, Viva la Vida, written by Coldplay, alludes to the French Revolution and King Louis XVI. The song highlights Louis XVI’s power which led to his beheading. Similarly, The Count of Monte Cristo, a classic work of fiction by Alexandre Dumas, illustrates the life of Edmond Dantes, a young sailor who is falsely imprisoned. Once he escapes, he inherits a vast fortune which in turn gives him power, and he uses these tools to get revenge on his enemies who imprisoned him. After he hurts many people who were innocent Edmond, now the Count of Monte Cristo, begins to feel a sense of regret and guilt. The book concludes …show more content…

In Viva la Vida, lines 27 through 28 say, “ People couldn’t believe what I’ve become.” This line blatantly tells the reader/listener that because of the king’s power, he changed in such a way that his subjects and the people around him saw an extreme change occur in him. In the Count of Monte Cristo, there is a similar transformation. The conversation between the Count and Villefort is a perfect example of the change that has happened to Dante's,”...you are unable to see those men whom God has placed above kings and ministers by giving them a mission to fulfill, rather than a position to occupy.” “And do you regard yourself as one of these extraordinary beings?”, asked Villefort…”Yes I’m one of them,” said the Count of Monte Cristo coldly…”You say you fear nothing but death? He [Villefort] asked. “I didn’t say I feared it; I said that it alone could stop me” Before Edmond was sent to prison, he was innocent and content with the world. He believed he had no enemies. Now, as the Count, he clearly sees his enemies and he considers himself an “extraordinary being”-an agent of God whose purpose is to bring justice to his enemies. While Edmond once was forgiving, he is now out for vengeance which he will fulfill with his acquired

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