THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (CHAPS 111-112) EXPIATION and THE DEPARTURE
In chapters 111 and 112 of The Count of Monte Cristo, titled "Expiation" and "The Departure," the story reaches a critical psychological turning point as the Count's quest for revenge results in unintended tragedy.
Chapter 111: Expiation
Following the public disgrace of his trial, Villefort rushes home. He has realized that he is no more virtuous than his wife and intends to forgive her so they can flee France together with their son, Edward.
The Discovery: Upon arriving, Villefort finds that his wife has already followed his earlier command to commit suicide. Horrifically, she has also poisoned Edward, refusing to leave her son behind to face a world of shame.
The Confrontation: A broken Villefort encounters the Count (disguised as Abbé Busoni) in his father Noirtier's room. The Count reveals his true identity as Edmond Dantès, expecting a moment of triumph.
The Turning Point: Instead of triumph, Dantès is met with the sight of Edward's corpse. Shaken to his core by the death of an innocent child, he tries and fails to revive the boy with his elixir. He begins to doubt if he has overstepped his role as the hand of "Divine Providence."
Villefort's Fate: The chapter ends with Villefort losing his mind completely, seen digging in his garden for his dead son.
Chapter 112: The Departure
This chapter focuses on the emotional aftermath and the transition away from Paris.
Leaving Paris: The Count picks up a grieving Maximilian Morrel from the home of Julie and Emmanuel. As they leave the city, the Count looks back at Paris and declares his work of vengeance is finally done.
Return to Marseille: They travel to Marseille, where they witness Albert de Morcerf boarding a ship to begin his new life as a soldier.
The Meeting with Mercédès: The Count visits his father’s old house and finds Mercédès living there in solitude. Their meeting is deeply bittersweet. While he offers her his fortune, she refuses most of it, choosing a life of quiet penance.
Resolution: The Count encourages her to live, but Mercédès remains a shell of her former self, resigned to her fate. This encounter reinforces the Count's growing sense of remorse for the collateral damage caused by his long-plotted revenge.
