Character The Count Of Morserf (Fernand Mondego)

CHARACTER

THE COUNT OF MORSERF (FERNAND MONDEGO)

INTRODUCTION:

The Count of Morcerf comes before us as the villain of the play. We are told that originally he is a petty fisherman. At that time, he is called Fernanf Mondego. He becomes a rival in love with a sailor, Edmond Dantes and gets him to imprison on a false charge. Thus, he marries Mercedes, the lady of choice. We know very little about his past or how he becomes a count. Now we find that he has a high status in the society of Paris. But his wealth seems to have been secured by unlawful means.

A Treacherous Man:

A first impression that we get about the Count of Morcerf is that he is a jealous man. In his youth he gets his rival, Dantes, thrown into prison where he remains for fourteen years. He does so, simply because he is in love with Mercedes the lady with whom Dantes wants to get married. He has never mentioned that fact to his wife. This is why, in her ignorance, she believes that Dantes is dead. Now, when the Count of Monte Cristo appears on the scene, the Count of Morcerf gets envious of him without knowing in the least that he is his old rival. He has never liked the new count. It was due to his envious nature that Morcerf could not bear any important visitor under his roof. It was his jealousy that prompted him to fight a duel with the count of Monte Cristo near the end of the play. He says,

“ I hate you instinctively it seems as though I have always hated you. In short, since the young man of today will not fight, it only remains for the older ones to do so.”

 A Traitor To His Country:

The count of Morcerf is accused of acting as a traitor, and of handing over the fortress of Yanina to the Turks when he was a captain in the French Army. He is presented before a court and the charge is proved in the chamber of Deputies. He has not the courage to challenge the charges and rushes out of the room crying like a mad man. This shows that the Count of Morcerf is a traitor and he has grown rich at the cost of his country. This is a dark spot on his character.

Coward And Mean:

The Count of Morcerf is coward. When he is insulted he does not take upon himself to revenge this dishonor. On the other hand, he leaves the affairs to his young son, Albert.

“ It is well said, my son, nothing less (than a duel) will satisfy me, or the honor of the house Morcerf.”

It is only when the Albert deserts him by offering and apology to the Count of Monte Cristo that he himself resolves to fight the duel. He becomes some unbalanced in his rage that instead of killing his enemy, he kills himself. This incident also shows he is unskilled in the art of fighting.

 As A Husband:

As a husband, the Count of Morcerf is a cruel fellow. His wife is against him. The resolution of countess to leave Paris, after the affair of the duel is over, also shows that she wants to get rid of her cruel husband. This is why she shows little concern over the issue of the family honor and the personal insult of the Count. This also indicates that his wife does not love the count of Morcerf and that his demonstrate life is not so happy and satisfactory. As a husband he fails to keep his wife satisfied.

His Worst End:

Overall, the Count of Morcerf is a villain. He seems to have secured his wealth by unlawful means. His attitude towards his wife and son is uncordial and nobody shows sincerity to him. His jealousy and cowardice make him a bad character. He meets the fate, which he deserves due to his greed, treachery, jealousy and evil nature.