Count of Monte Cristo (Calico Illustrated Classics Set 2)
Calico Illustrated Classics Series
What’s inside...
Sent to prison on a false accusation in 1815, Edmond Dantes escapes many years later and finds a treasure which he uses to exact his revenge. Alexandre Dumas's classic tale of betrayal and revenge follows the life of Edmond Dantes. After young Dantes is falsely imprisoned in the Chateau d'If, he is taken under the wing of another prisoner and taught to be a gentleman. By deceiving his jailers, Dantes escapes prison and sets off to take revenge on those who had betrayed him. Follow the powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and revenge in the Calico Illustrated Classics adaptation of Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Edmond DantèS
Mercedes
Monsieur Morrel
Abbé Faria
GéRard De Villefort
Baron Danglars
Fernand Mondego
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Edmond Dantes to seek revenge, and do you think his actions were justified?
How do the different settings in the story affect the characters’ actions and feelings?
What lessons can we learn about trust and betrayal from the characters in this book?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
If you were in Edmond Dantes' place, how would you have handled the situation differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of motives.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of the story to enrich understanding and appreciation of the plot and character development.
Connect the themes of the story to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, helping them apply the moral lessons from the book.
Use encouragement to express thoughts and opinions about the story, even if they differ from your own, to develop critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The protagonist, Edmond Dantès, demonstrates perseverance despite being wrongfully imprisoned. His determination and strategic planning lead to his eventual escape and quest for justice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges, whether in completing a difficult school project or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The impact of betrayal
Explanation: Edmond experiences betrayal from those he considered friends, which drastically changes his life. This plot point underscores the effects of betrayal and the importance of trust.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of loyalty and honesty in friendships and encourage them to be mindful of whom they trust.
Example Lesson: Justice versus revenge
Explanation: Throughout the story, Edmond grapples with the concepts of justice and revenge. His journey provides ample opportunity to discuss whether his actions are justified and the moral repercussions of seeking revenge.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children in understanding the difference between righting a wrong and seeking revenge, promoting empathy and ethical decision-making.
Example Lesson: The power of hope
Explanation: Despite the despair Edmond faces, hope is a constant theme that helps him endure hardships. His hope for a better future is a driving force in his actions.
Real-World Application: Instilling the value of hope can encourage children to remain optimistic and resilient in the face of adversity.
Example Lesson: Knowledge as power
Explanation: During his imprisonment, Edmond gains knowledge from fellow prisoner Abbé Faria, which later aids him in seeking justice. This highlights the power of education and learning.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of education and lifelong learning for personal development and achieving one’s goals.