The Fear of Napoleon’s Return (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 6)

The Countdown of Monte Cristo

📚 Summary:

At the Saint-Méran gathering, royalists discuss the lingering threat of Napoleon’s exile in Elba, worried that his proximity fuels Bonapartist hopes. Villefort acknowledges the rising violence between royalists and Napoleonic officers in Marseilles, while Comte de Salvieux confirms that the Holy Alliance plans to relocate Napoleon to Saint Helena. The group agrees that leaving him near Corsica and Naples was a mistake, but Villefort reminds them that the treaties of 1814 prevent direct action—only for Salvieux to dismiss legal concerns, citing Napoleon’s own willingness to break treaties when executing the Duc d’Enghien. This conversation reveals both the royalists’ deep anxieties and their flexible sense of morality when it comes to political survival.

✨ What Happens:

•Villefort warns that Napoleon’s exile in Elba allows his supporters to hope for a return.

•The royalists discuss the rising duels and assassinations in Marseilles between Bonapartists and royalists.

•Comte de Salvieux confirms that the Holy Alliance plans to exile Napoleon to the distant island of Saint Helena.

•The group agrees that leaving Napoleon near Italy was a mistake, fearing his influence.

•Villefort acknowledges that treaties prevent them from taking action against Napoleon.

•Salvieux dismisses these concerns, referencing Napoleon’s own violation of treaties when executing the Duc d’Enghien.

💡 Thoughts & Reflections:

•Villefort’s Pragmatism: He aligns with the monarchy but is cautious about bending laws too far.

•Royalist Hypocrisy: They condemn Napoleon’s brutality but justify breaking treaties to eliminate him.

•The Rising Tension in France: The instability in Marseilles foreshadows greater political upheaval.

📖 Historical & Cultural Context:

•Napoleon’s Exile & The Holy Alliance: After Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, the victorious European powers exiled him to Elba but later moved him to Saint Helena to prevent his return.

•Political Unrest in Marseilles: Many unemployed Napoleonic officers clashed with royalists, leading to violence in the city.

•The Duc d’Enghien Incident: Napoleon’s execution of a Bourbon prince in 1804 was widely criticized but now serves as justification for royalists to take similar extreme measures.

🔮 Foreshadowing:

•Napoleon’s influence remains strong—could he return?

•Villefort’s legalistic thinking suggests he may struggle with moral dilemmas later.

•The royalists’ flexibility with laws hints at future betrayals and political maneuvering.

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