Extended Essays 2021

elixir is “A skillful preparation of … Abbé Adelmonte” (429). The reader is positioned by Dumas to be skeptical of its abilities like Villefort. As a result, when Dantès speaks to Villefort he is almost speaking to the reader. In effect, when Dumas suggests that Villefort is convinced of its powers “most assuredly” (429) so is the reader. Thus, using dialogue the reader is positioned to view Dantès as God-like. However, as the novel reaches its conclusion the potion is revealed to be fraudulent. Therefore, the elixir becomes a reflection of Dantès' overestimation of his own powers and the delusion that he is God-like. Just as the elixir is not powerful enough to bring the dead to life or vice versa Dantès is unable to accomplish divine feats; suggesting that the power to carry out ultimate retribution and justice depends solely on God. Now aware of this, Dantès renounces his vengeful plans, acknowledging that God is the only one who can act as Providence and that humans ought to simply “[w]ait and hope”, implying that God does indeed eventually reward the god and punish the bad. Ultimately, through dialogue and the symbol of the elixir Dumas rejects the connection between Dantès and God. Furthermore, as this occurs the reader no longer supports Dantès actions. However, until the true powers of the elixir are mentioned the reader is positioned to view Dantès as God-like (through the use of Judeo-Christian tropes) which allows for the reader to experience guiltless pleasure when Dantès excites revenge. Through Lynch’s use of dialogue, Lamora is presented to have the power to take lives. This power is personified through Jean Tannen who has a reputation amongst those in the Camorr underworld to be lethal with or without weapons (The Camorr Wiki, 2018). Lamora takes advantage of Tannen allowing him to take life. As revealed, the power to take life is positioned to depend solely on God. Therefore, when Lynch gives Lamora this authority he suggests that Lamora is God-like. In his final duel with the antagonist, the Grey King Lamora is confronted

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