Upon first meeting, Albert is not the most noble of men. However, we begin to see aspects of Albert that are more worthy as the novel progresses. We learn that Albert is quite devoted to his father Fernand. When the Count of Monte Cristo speaks badly about Fernand, Albert reacts in a very noble way, wanting to fight the Monte Cristo for the harsh words he has spoken. Mercedes reveals the truth of Albert's father to Albert and thus he sees that he was wrong to treat the Count of Monte Cristo the way he did. Albert has the humility that his mother possesses and he also has the devotion to his father, even though his father lacks certain moral characteristics. It is this juxtaposition of father and son, two men who though related become totally different men and it shows that men are not the sum of their parents. Monte Cristo thus makes an exception to his idea that all sons carry with them the guilt of their fathers. The relationship between Albert, Fernand and Mercedes is important to the overall meaning of this work by Dumas. Dumas is...

Fernand does so many manipulative things throughout the novel, which includes sending the letter that condemns Dantes. Fernand never seems to consider how all of his treachery is affecting his wife and son and when his horrendous deeds are revealed, his family leaves him. The mother and son are now a coalition and Fernand kills himself.
Mercedes tells Albert: "Whatever path you follow, you will soon make this name illustrious in it. So, my friend, come back in the world, made still more brilliant by your past misfortunes; and if that is not to be, despite all my expectations, at least leave me that hope" (Dumas 1003). It is in these words, from mother to son, that Dumas is saying that men can go on to do great things and make good names for themselves, despite who or what their fathers were and did.

Works Cited

Dumas, Pere. The Count of Monte Cristo. Penguin Classics. 2003. Print.