The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 72 summary
Chapter 72 of 117 · Volume 3 · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 72, Madame de Saint-Méran arrives with news of her husband’s death, develops a fever, and insists that Valentine’s arranged marriage take place quickly. Her account of a silent white figure touching her glass troubles the household, while Valentine fears that her grandmother’s wishes threaten her love for Maximilian Morrel.
What happens
- Villefort studies his list of enemies but cannot explain Monte Cristo’s knowledge of his secret.
- Madame de Saint-Méran arrives and reports her husband’s sudden death during their journey; Villefort fetches Valentine and his wife.
- Valentine comforts her grandmother, then visits Noirtier, whose affection gives her some relief.
- The feverish grandmother demands Valentine’s prompt marriage to Franz d’Épinay and describes a white figure moving her glass.
- She summons a notary, while Valentine privately fears that her grandmother’s pride in noble birth prevents an appeal for Maximilian.
- Valentine asks M. d’Avrigny to examine her grandmother, then enters the garden and recognizes Maximilian’s voice.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
Madame de Saint-Méran’s fear of death turns grief into pressure for an immediate wedding. This directly threatens Valentine’s attachment to Maximilian.
Quick check
Why does Valentine hesitate to tell her grandmother about Maximilian Morrel?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
