Analysis:
Monte Cristo is here setting the stage for Calvacanti's entrance to Parisien society where he will be instrumental in the downfall of Villefort, Caderousse, and Danglars.
Chapter 32
In this chapter one learns that Maximilien Morrel and Valentine are in love. Valentine's father however, is to marry her off to Franz d'Epinay, whom she can never love. Her stepmother is opposed to the idea of her marrying in general for it means that Madame de Villefort's son will have nothing to inherit, for valentine will receive the fortune. Valentine and Maximilien meet in the garden, but Valentine must hurry off to meet her stepmother.
Analysis:
This chapter presents Valentine's marriage dilemma. Her father still is trying to loose his ties to the Bonapartists. He thus wishes to marry her to the son of a staunch royalist. Valentine, however, is closer to her Bonapartist grandfather. Noirtier will reveal his biggest secret to save her from the arms of a man she does not love. This chapter also presents Valentine's stepmother as a greedy mother who only seeks funds for her son. This woman's monetary greed foreshadows the tragedies that will strike the Villefort household. She is in fact a mirror image of Villefort, who was willing to sacrifice human life for is own gain.
Chapter 33
Monsieur and Madame de Villefort live with Noirtier, Villefort's aged paralyzed father. Noirtier's fortune shall pass to Valentine upon her marriage. Thus, in this chapter, the Villefort's proceed to Noirtier's chamber to tell him of Valentine's coming marriage to Baron Franz d'Epinay. Noirtier is unable to speak since he suffered a stroke, however his discomfort