COMC notes-Honor

Stephen Simmons
AP English/Mr. George
9/10/09
COMC notes

“I should be looked upon as a man who has broken his word and failed in his engagements. If I lived you would be ashamed of my name. When I am dead, you will raise your head and say ‘I am the son of him who killed himself because, for the first time in his life, he was unable to keep his word.’ Now…leave me alone and keep your mother away. Once more farewell…”(Dumas 185)

-Honor plays a very significant role in the life of Morrel because it decided his fate. Based on tradition, he felt it necessary to commit suicide because he was unable to honor his promises and word.
-Honor, is simply a concept that was strongly believed in at that particular time during the novel, not life or death!!!
-Morrel was simply following the standards of society and based on his hesitation, had no desire to die anytime soon.

“Then he turned to the clock again; he no longer counted by minutes, but by seconds. Taking the weapon once more, he opened his mouth with his eyes on the clock…a cold perspiration broke out on his forehead and he was seized by a mortal anguish”(185)

-someone who is honorable is respectful and does things in the best interest for others. By Morrel taking his life, the only thing that was truly being solved was that there would be one less mouth to feed. There is no respect in leaving your family with your problems and telling your son to do better.
- the concept of honor and honoring your family is not honorable at all. In Morrel’s case, he would be dishonorable by following tradition and the standards of society and leaving his mess for someone else to clean up.

“He put the pistol to his mouth…Suddenly he heard a cry…It was his daughter’s voice. He turned round and saw Julie. The pistol dropped from his hands.”

“Father! ‘cried the girl out of breath and overcome with joy.’ You are saved! You are saved”

-Honor plays a huge role in Morrels case in term of Karma. Morrel was a good guy. He fought for Dantes’ freedom from prison, promoted Dantes to Captain, etc.
-Because he was so honorable to Dantes, Dantes, was honorable towards him in saving his life and by restoring Morrel emotionally and financially