The Prince and the Count

Two of my favorite works of literature are "Hamlet," by William Shakespeare, and "The Count of Monte Cristo," by Alexander Dumas, and it is interesting to note the similarities between the two stories. First, Hamlet and Edmond Dantes become victims of betrayal. Hamlet's uncle kills King Hamlet, and men Edmond thought he could trust allow him to be sent to prison on false charges. Second, in both cases, the motives behind the perpetrators' actions are greed, lust, and fear. Finally, both Hamlet and Edmond are initially suicidal, overwhelmed by the pain of their circumstances. However, they put their suicidal thoughts behind them when they realize a purpose for themselves--the pursuit of vengeance and a desire to make their betrayers suffer as much as they have. On the surface, one might not think that these two stories with such different settings--medieval Denmark and Napoleonic France--would have so much in common, but a careful study of "Hamlet" and "The Count of Monte Cristo" is fascinating.