copyright 1999, Sirpa Grierson

Activities compiled by Michael Handy www.mapquest.com/maps Free online Geography Tutorial http://familygames.com/free/egt.html This website is a free online geography tutorial with games, study classes, and quizzes. It can help students become acquainted with the area in which the novel takes place. Tourist’s Guide to Marseilles http://www.wguides.com/city/19/city_districts.cfm# This page is a tourist’s guide to Marseilles, where the action in the novel begins. It can be used in constructing Geography activities to “get to know” the world of the text. Chateau d"If http://home.wwdb.org/bigounets/if.html http://www.plume-noire.com/feature/thecountofmontecristo/chateaudif.html Both of these websites include pictures of the Chateau d"If. The former is merely a picture; the latter contains historical information as well as several pictures. Virtual Tour of Rome http://www.greatbuildings.com/places/rome.html This site takes its visitors on a virtual tour of the tourist landmarks of Rome; it may be used in a similar way as the previous. Paris http://www.paris.org/ Paris.org is the official tourist website for the city of Paris; its use is the same as the previous sources. Dumas http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/adumas1.htm This site provides biographical information about Dumas and contains an extensive list of his work. Dumas website http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/ This website’s creator styles it the “official” Dumas website, containing biography, lists of works including electronic texts, and a picture gallery. Bibliography http://www.literatureclassics.com/authors/Dumas/ This presents an online bibliography with a brief life summary, links to electronic texts of his novels, and multiple resources such as essays on his life and work. There is also an option on the site to submit your own essays on Dumas’ work. American Civil War http://sunsite.utk.edu/civil-war/ This is the “official” website of the American Civil War. Useful parallels may be drawn between that conflict and the French civil war that takes place behind the scenes in the novel. English Civil War http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~crossby/ECW/ This is a website of information on the English Civil War in the Seventeenth Century, similar to the Sunsite web page for the American Civil War. 19th Century Sailing Vessels http://website.lineone.net/~dee.ord/19%20&%2020th%20Centurys.htm This site contains many pictures and descriptions of 19th century sailing vessels, which can provide useful background information for the students as they read the many portions of the novel dealing with shipping. “Speaking-Vocabulary in a Foreign Language” West, Michael. “Speaking-Vocabulary in a Foreign Language”. The Modern Language Journal 14 (1930): 509-521. West begins his discussion of learning speaking proficiency in a foreign language with a scene from the novel. He discusses his experience translating the novel using a restricted vocabulary and offers great insight into the nature of language, which is very prominent in the Count and his many disguises. The full article is online at www.jstor.org. “Voltaire and Dumas (In Correspondence)” Patterson, Shirley Gale. “Voltaire and Dumas (In Correspondence)”. Modern Language Notes 24.2 (1909): 63. This is a letter to the editors of the journal which makes a text to text connection between Monte Cristo and Ingenu by Voltaire. The Mask of Zorro. Dir. Martin Campbell. Perf. Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Stuart Wilson. Columbia TriStar, 1998. A brief clip in this film portrays a prison escape which strongly resembles the escape in the novel. It may help students to make a good text to text connection. Handy, Michael. “Writing Prompts During the Reading”. Unpublished document, 2004. This list of prompts is intended to lead to journal writing activities and other short written responses. Carnival in the USA http://www.mardigrasday.com/mardigras/ This website shows how the holiday known in the novel as Carnival is celebrated in the United States today. Carnival in Brazil http://www.ipanema.com/carnival/home.htm This site shows how Carnival is celebrated in Brazil today. European Dueling Customs http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/dueling/3.html This is a good source on European dueling customs. It can be used as reference material to discuss the dueling sections of the novel; however, I do not recommend sending students to visit it, as some of the depictions are a little graphic. “Death, Resurrection, and Fall in Dumas’ Comte de Monte-Cristo” Marinetti, Amelita. “Death, Resurrection, and Fall in Dumas’ Comte de Monte-Cristo”. The French Review 50 (1976): 260-269. Marinetti talks about the mythic symbols in Monte Cristo, suggesting that it is worthy of the serious critical attention that has evaded the novel since it was published. The full article is online at www.jstor.org. 2002 film http://video.movies.go.com/countofmontecristo/intro.htm This is the official website of the 2002 film based on the novel. Le Comte de Monte Cristo Dir. Josée Dayan. Perf. Gerard Depardieu, Ornella Muti, Jean Rochefort. Jean-Pierre Guérin, 1998. This is a filmed version, in French but with English subtitles. It is much more faithful to the book that the various versions which have been filmed in English, although it is quite long (it was originally a TV miniseries). Quick Language Learning Courses http://www.pimsleurapproach.com/em.asp?v=1688&popup=off This web page has information about a company that deals in quick language learning courses. This information may be interesting to students exploring the Count’s ability to pass as multiple nationalities. Fortune magazine http://www.fortune.com/fortune/ This is the home page for Fortune magazine. It can be used to construct activities on how one acquires and manages money today. Summary and Analysis of the novel http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/countofmontecristo/ This page contains summary and analysis of the novel as prepared by Harvard students. It may be used in preparing assessment strategies. Handy, Michael. “Potential Text-to-Text Connections”. Unpublished document, 2004. This list (by no means exhaustive) presents some text to text connections that can spark class discussion after the reading of the novel. Handy, Michael. “Writing Prompts After the Reading”. Unpublished document, 2004. This set of prompts is similar to the set in the “during” section, intended for short response assignments. Handy, Michael. “Creative Writing Assignment”. Unpublished document, 2004. This is a more extensive writing project and can serve either as a supplement or a replacement to the critical essay assignment. Handy, Michael. “Essay Assignment”. Unpublished document, 2004. This contains a list of several prompts which may be used for a traditional essay assignment after the novel’s completion. Reading Activities compiled by Stephanie Johnson | During Reading | After Reading | PRE-READING 1. Napoleon Bonaparte http://www.france.com/docs/364.html This website gives biographical information about Napoleon Bonaparte. Specifically, it tells of his rise and fall as emperor and the history contributing to that. This helps students understand the political and historical setting of the novel. 2. The French Revolution http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Revolution This website reviews the causes and events of the French Revolution. It addresses issues that contributed to the revolution including dechristianization, feudalism, factions, etc. It also provides references for further reading. This provides a helpful background for students as they interpret the historical background of the novel. It will help them understand the severity of the accusation that Dantes was faced with and also why Villefort acted the way he did. It will provide insight into Villefort’s and Noirtier’s characters. 3. The Catalans http://countrystudies .us/spain/ 37.htm This website gives a short history of the Catalans and their language. This site may help students to understand and relate to Fernand Mondego better. 4. Marseille http://www.plume-noire.com/tripping/marseille.html This website gives a short description of places to visit while in Marseille. 5. French Pronunciation Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Pronunciation, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Discuss basic French pronunciation. Learn pronunciation of characters and places in the novel. 6. False Imprisonment Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo: False Imprisonment, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Have students find an article about someone being falsely imprisoned. Then have students write a short essay responding to the following questions. How would you feel if someone falsely accused you for a crime you didn’t commit? What would you do? How would you handle the situation? Address the concepts of revenge, forgiveness, justice, and mercy. 7. Bonapartists http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonapartist This website gives a brief explanation on what it means to be a Bonapartist. This can really help students understand the political setting of the novel. 8. Biography of Dumas http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/adumas1.htm This website is a page of biographical information about Alexandre Dumas. This may shed some light on why Dumas wrote what we did or help students understand the time period better. 9. Europe http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe This website reviews the general history of Europe, basic geography and physical features, demographics, etc. It also contains external links to enrich your understanding of Europe. This may be useful to help students visualize the setting of the novel. 10. Dumas http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/ This website includes a brief biography of Dumas, pictures, a list of collected works, and links to other sites. This site can help students connect more with the author. DURING READING 1. Vocabulary Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Vocabulary, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Learn vocabulary words in the text. As students learn the vocabulary found in the text, they will better understand the novel and increase their vocabulary at the same time. 2. Soul Searching Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo: Soul Searching, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Have students write a short essay addressing the following questions. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? When and how did you handle it? This is a fun activity to help students relate with Edmond Dantes when he’s in prison. 3. French Nobility http://www.heraldica.org/topics/france/noblesse.htm This website reviews the basics of French nobility. It address the nature of nobility, the acquisition of nobility, titles, etc. This may provide insights into Fernand’s character and others who took upon themselves titles. You could also possibly discuss Andrea Cavalcanti (Benedetto) and his fake father. How did these characters acquire their titles? Discuss Edmond’s title. What did it mean? Was it considered valid? Ask students what title they would take if they could and why. 4. Dueling http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/dueling/3.html This website talks about dueling in general and dueling in various other European countries. Depending on the specific class, you could include some activity like acting out the dueling scene from the novel. Of course, they don’t actually duel, but you could let students duel for fun. They would have to follow the rules for dueling. They could use wrapping paper tubes or something similar for swords. 5. Chateau d’If http://www.plume-noire.com/feature/thecountofmontecristo/chateaudif.html This website has great information about the Chateau d’If. It includes pictures and tourist information. This can make the prison more real to the students as they’re reading. 6. Character List http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/montecristo/characters.html This website has a detailed character list. Have students make their own character list as they read the book to help them keep track of the characters. Strongly encourage them to make their own character list and not use any additional source but the text itself. However, if they end up using Cliffs Notes or Spark Notes, have them use the summaries while reading the text. 7. Ali Pasha http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0803351.html This website gives a brief history of Ali Pasha and includes links for other references. Learn about Ali Pasha and the related history to better understand Fernand’s background and experiences. 8. 19th Century Sailing Vessels http://website.lineone.net/~dee.ord/19%20&%2020th%20Centurys.htm This website details different sailing vessels and even has pictures and a labeled diagram of a ship so students can learn the various parts of a ship. As Dantes is a sailor, it may be interesting for the students to explore sailing vessels. 9. Rome – Story of Festivities http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/lazio/rome-events.asp This website highlights some history of traditional Roman events. It reviews how the Roman Carnival began and some typical events that would take place during the carnival. It also mentions celebrations in Rome today and there are links to discover what life is like in Italy today. This should help students get a feel for the atmosphere and cultural environment while Albert, Franz, and the Count are in Rome celebrating the Carnival. 10. Map Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Map, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. As they read the novel, have students draw a map of where events are taking place. This should reinforce what students have learned about European geograophy. POST-READING 1. Symbols http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/montecristo/themes.html This website contains a short analysis of the themes and symbols in the novel. As you discuss these themes with the students, it will help to teach students how to think critically and how to analyze a text. 2. Names http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/montecristo/themes.html This website discusses the significance of the names used by Edmond Dantes. This will help students learn to think analytically. 3. Movie Comparison Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo: Movie Comparison, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. After reading the novel, watch a version of the book. Discuss what changes were made from the text, why, and what affect they had. Does the audience come away with a different conclusion or feeling from the movie than they would from the text? What themes are emphasized in each? This activity helps students to visualize what’s happened in the text and make more sense of the characters. It solidifies the book in their minds. 4. Behind the Name http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/fre.html This website has a list of names used France and other French-speaking names. It tells what the names means, related names, and other references. Have students look up the origin and meaning of the French names used in the novel. Then have students find out where their names come from and what they mean. Have them write a one page paper about what they find and how they feel about their name. 5. Themes and Motifs http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/montecristo/themes.html This website contains a short analysis of the themes and symbols in the novel. As you discuss these themes with the students, it will help to teach students how to think critically and how to analyze a text. 6. Essay Prompts Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Essay Prompts, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. These are potential essay prompts to get students to think critically and analyze the text and characters from the novel. Hopefully, it will provide a basis to enrich their understanding of the novel and also to help them learn how to think critically. 7. Marketing Johnson, Stephanie. Marketing The Count of Monte Cristo, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Look at The Count of Monte Cristo from the point of view of a businessman. Have students complete the following task. As a business man, do you see any marketing possibilities from anything mentioned in the book? What would you promote? Create a small line of products that you could sell. Include pictures. Hopefully, this will appeal to the students who aren’t as interested in literature and help them to be more attracted to the novel. 8. Sequel Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Sequel, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Have students come up with basic ideas for a sequel to The Count of Monte Cristo. Have them write an outline for what the storyline would be. This might help students explore the book more fully and also give them a sense of what a writer feels like. 9. Book Jacket Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Book Jacket, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Have students create a book jacket. Have them create a picture for the cover and write a brief synopsis of the book that will interest people in reading the book. 10. Quotes Johnson, Stephanie. The Count of Monte Cristo Quotes, Provo, UT: BYU, 2005. Have students compile a list of ten quotes from the novel. These quotes should be words of wisdom, memorable lines, and prominent themes. If they can see the wisdom, this activity may help students learn to apply literature to their own lives and teach them how to pick out themes that may enrich their lives.

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