The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 58 summary
Chapter 58 of 117 · Volume 3 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 58, Villefort and his wife announce Valentine’s marriage to Franz d’Épinay, provoking Noirtier’s anger despite his inability to move or speak. Valentine admits that she also opposes the match, and her grandfather uses their system of eye signals to request a notary, asserting his power to act.
What happens
- Villefort and Madame de Villefort privately tell Noirtier that Valentine is to marry Franz d’Épinay within three months.
- Noirtier reacts furiously, while Villefort invokes the unsolved assassination of Franz’s father and presents the marriage as possible reconciliation.
- After her parents leave, Valentine discovers that Noirtier opposes the engagement and fears for her happiness.
- Valentine admits she does not love Franz and explains that escaping the marriage motivates her wish to enter a convent.
- Using alphabet prompts and a dictionary, Valentine discovers that Noirtier wants a notary immediately.
- Villefort questions and mocks the request, but Barrois leaves to fetch a notary in obedience to Noirtier.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The request turns Noirtier’s anger into a concrete action. Valentine’s ability to interpret him challenges Villefort’s treatment of his father as powerless.
Quick check
How does Valentine identify what Noirtier wants?
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