The document analyzes deception and alienation in two works by Alexandre Dumas - The Count of Monte Cristo and The Man in the Iron Mask. In The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantes is falsely accused and imprisoned, transforming him into a vengeful man who seeks revenge against his enemies but ends up harming innocent people. In The Man in the Iron Mask, Aramis deceives others in his quest for power, leading to the alienation of Philippe who is imprisoned with an iron mask for life, and the death of Aramis' friends. Both stories depict how the pursuit of deception and revenge can ultimately cause more harm than the original wrongs.

1. The Deception and Alienation in Alexandre Dumas’ Works Billy Tucker Professor Owens English 1102 9 October 2011

2. “The Count of Monte Cristo” One of Alexandre’s most famous works. A book full of deception, alienation, and revenge. The false accusations against Edmond Dantes puts him in prison. The years spent there cause him to lead a life of revenge against the very people that deceived him in the beginning. Edmond did not see all the innocent people he hurt himself while pursuing his revenge.

3. “The Man in the Iron Mask” The deception began with one person, Aramis. Aramis desired to be the pope of France and came up with a plan to insure him to get this position. He deceived lots of his friends by misleading them into helping him accomplish his mission. This deception cost almost everyone involved their lives. Aramis also alienated several people involved, like Philippe, by misleading them and causing them harm.

4. Discussion of Deception and Alienation in “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Man in the Iron Mask” Edmond Dantes became a different man while in prison. He changed from a loving, happy person into an emotionless, vengeful person by the time he escaped. He spent ten years planning his revenge and harmed more innocent people than his enemies did when they had him imprisoned. His actions even caused innocent children to be killed or hurt. Edmond had completed his revenge before he realized how many people he had hurt along the way. Aramis planned to switch King Louie with his twin brother Philippe, to be able to greatly influence his opinion. His plan failed and Philippe was sent back to prison, but was alienated because he was put into an iron mask. He could not communicate with anyone for the rest of his life. This made Philippe’s fate much worse than it was when Aramis found him. Aramis also recruited his fellow Musketeers into his plan without their knowledge of his plans. All of Aramis’ friends died and he was the only survivor. That alienated Aramis by having to live with his actions knowing that he caused his friends to die.

5. Conclusion Both stories are full of deception and alienation. Dumas described a persons’ desire to better their position in society, no matter the cost. He also showed the effects of this deception by alienation or lust for revenge. The stories seemed to portray a hero battling his enemies, but at the end the hero becomes the enemy.