1. Byronic Hero: Support or refute the argument for the Count of Monte Cristo as a Byronic Hero (with a capital B and a capital H). Be certain to use examples (including at least one quote from the text per point) to support your contention. Make sure that you explain what a Byronic Hero is and give examples of how the Count is or is not a good example of one.
2. Justice: Consider the enemies of Edmond Dantes and discuss how the punishment that the Count of Monte Cristo inflicts upon them is related to their deepest ambitions and to the crime each character commits against Dantes. Does the punishment fit the crime? Is Justice served? Do not simply summarize or list the events, but analyze them. Show your understanding of the story by explaining in detail the crime and punishment of those affiliated with Dantes, and then express whether or not the punishment fits the crime. Is Justice served? Do not give a plot summary – only give the details that directly pertain to either the crime or the punishment. Then, make a judgment on whether or not the punishment is fair. Make sure to use at least one quote from the text per point to support your ideas.
3. Themes and Motifs: Explore how Dumas uses the central characters and the main plot or subplots in The Count of Monte Cristo to develop the themes and motifs within the novel. Make sure to use examples from the text, including at least one quote from the text per point.
4. Providence: Discuss Dantes’ attitude towards the responsibility of man to accomplish God’s purpose. How does Dantes use this to justify his actions? Do you agree with his perspective (without using 1s t person – simply state it as fact)? Why or why not? Use examples from the text, including at least one quote from the text per point, to support your argument.
5. Pseudonyms: What are the pseudonyms adopted in this story, and why is each specifically chosen? Why is each disguise created? What is the purpose and role played by each of these characters? Explain the significance of each disguise in the larger scope of the novel, exploring whether or not each pseudonym is effective or necessary
