Le comte de Monte-Cristo, Tome I — Résumé 🇺🇸 English
On 24 February 1815, the merchant ship Pharaon arrives in Marseille after a journey from Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples. A crowd gathers at Fort Saint-Jean to watch the vessel enter the harbor. Shipowner Monsieur Morrel boards the vessel before it reaches port to investigate its slow, mournful approach. Edmond Dantes, the eighteen-year-old nineteen-year-old first mate, informs Morrel that Captain Leclere died of brain fever during the voyage and was buried at sea. Despite this tragic loss, Dantes reassures the owner that the cargo is completely safe and intact.
During the docking procedures, ship accountant Danglars approaches Morrel and attempts to undermine Dantes. Danglars highlights that Dantes took command without authorization and delayed their return by stopping at the Isle of Elba for a day and a half. Morrel questions Dantes about the detour, and Dantes explains that he was executing Captain Leclere's dying wish to deliver a package to Grand Marshal Bertrand. While on the island, Dantes also briefly spoke with Napoleon. Satisfied with this explanation, Morrel dismisses Danglars' insinuations and hints that Dantes will likely be appointed the new captain of the Pharaon.
After managing the customs entry and securing leave, Dantes declines Morrel's dinner invitation so he can visit his aging father and his fiancée, Mercedes. Morrel grants Dantes temporary leave to get married and travel to Paris, confirming his intention to secure the captaincy for him. Dantes departs joyfully for the shore. Meanwhile, Morrel remains behind to check the accounts with Danglars, who watches Dantes leave with deep resentment and jealousy.