The Last Hour (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 5)

📚 Summary:
The wedding procession is about to begin, and Dantès is only an hour away from marrying Mercédès. Caderousse, softened by wine and Dantès’ kindness, briefly regrets the conspiracy against him—but Danglars quickly downplays their actions, pretending no real harm was meant. Meanwhile, Fernand, still visibly shaken, endures his final moments before sealing Edmond’s fate. As Mercédès reminds them of the time, the guests prepare to leave for the ceremony, unaware that this moment marks the beginning of Dantès’ downfall.

✨ What Happens:

• Caderousse, feeling guilty, admits it would be a shame to betray Dantès.
• Danglars dismisses their scheme as harmless, reassuring himself that Fernand won’t act rashly.
• Fernand, pale and tormented, remains silent—his fate already decided.
• Danglars subtly reveals his own ambition, joking that he wishes he could take Dantès’ place.
• Mercédès reminds everyone that it is two o’clock—the wedding is about to begin.
• Dantès eagerly leaves the table, completely unaware of the treachery surrounding him.

💡 Thoughts & Reflections:

• Caderousse’s Guilt Is Powerless: He briefly sees the gravity of their actions, but alcohol and complacency keep him from interfering.
• Fernand’s Final Moments of Hesitation: His paleness and silence suggest internal conflict, but at this point, it’s too late to turn back.
• Danglars’ Calculated Moves: He remains detached and amused by the whole thing, keeping his own hands clean while manipulating others.
• The Clock as Fate: Mercédès' reminder that time is running out adds a dramatic tension—Dantès is minutes away from his greatest joy, and his greatest tragedy.

📖 Tidbits & Speculation:

• Napoleonic Marriage Laws: Dantès mentions skipping formalities, which was possible with influence—highlighting Morrel’s power.
• Dumas & The Club des Hashischins: Alexandre Dumas was part of a Parisian group that experimented with hashish—an early countercultural literary movement.
• Foreshadowing in Timing: The reference to two o’clock acts as a countdown to Dantès’ betrayal—what should be a march to the altar is, instead, a march to his ruin.

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