Hierarchy Of Power In The Count Of Monte Cristo

In the early 1800s, the hierarchy of power was not only corrupt, but the highest levels were easily attainable with money and connections. In The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, the character of Edmond Dantes (The Count of Monte Cristo) quickly rose to power, once he had wealth and business relations with many men. After his escape from prison, Edmond went to the Isle of Monte Cristo to claim the treasure Abbe Busoni spoke so highly about. “After he touched them, fingered them, and buried his trembling hands in the gold and precious stones, Dantes ran out of the cave with the wild exaltation of a man who has come to the brink of madness”(Dumas 92). Once he has gained his wealth, he is trusted and befriended by some of the most noble men in Paris. The housekeeper
The connections the Count has created also give him powers that no one else in the world possesses. When Albert was captured by Luigi Vampa, there were zero to no hopes to saving him, until the almighty Count came to the rescue. The Count had previously made Vampa a close acquaintance, causing Vampa to promise the Count to never hold one of his friends hostage. Once Vampa realizes the enormity of his mistake, he quickly gets back on good terms with the Count, “Why wasn’t I told about this? asked the chief, turning toward his men, who drew back before his look. Why did you make me break my word to the Count? If I thought one of you knew about this, I’d blow his brains out!”(Dumas 156). As powerful a man as Luigi Vampa is, he is still indebted to the worshipped Count. He was willing to kill one of his bandits just because they made him break his promise to his dear friend. The Count has not only built his name through wealth, but also through friendships. Power can be gained in many ways, but the Count’s rise was extremely sudden and effective. He gained acquaintances in weeks, and his wealth came even quicker, his reputation wasn’t built in a day, but it was built