The Analysis Of Revenge Leading To Personality Change In Dumas’ The Count Of Monte Cristo Using Bourdieu’s Concepts Of Habitus,Field And Capital

In recent years,as a new strategy for the development of national culture,the going global of French culture has become an important way through which to show the unique beauty of French literature and also to push French literature to the world.There is a trend of diversification in the form of literature going global,and the transformation of literature to the comprehension of all,is undeniably one of the most important ways.Literature not only carries the historical tradition,cultural psychology and spiritual pursuit of a nation,but also conveys the image of a country.The Count of Monte Cristo as the classical specimen of French ancient literature,has been received attention from scholars from all walks of life in the past and recent years.Recent studies on The Count of Monte Cristo are focused on researchers from overseas receiving more interest and attention and also becoming part of a global focus of research in literature.Revenge,which plays an important role in human existence,is sometimes complicated to comprehend and apply in research.Most research studies conducted on revenge focus on the act of revenge and not so much on the emotional state of desire for revenge.Consequently,much remains mysterious about which estimations of a situation arouse this desire,and what action trends and motivations are aroused accordingly.Revenge does not differ based on culture or identity.Additionally,revenge is quite uncertain when desire for revenge or vengeance does not lead actually to undertaking revenge.Since revenge leaves a weighty effect on the lives of people,it is very essential to take into consideration all other factors involving revenge including gaining more insight into what revenge actually entails.The Count of Monte is an outstanding classical French literature.In this novel where love,greed,revenge and atonement are paramount,make the piece more appealing and pleasant to the reader,making it a perfect research area for relevant studies on the Count of Monte Cristo.Revenge and personality change or character transformation are relevant to each other.However revenge leading to character transformation in the Count of Monte Cristo is not only centered on revenge transforming the inwardness of the victim but also changing one’s identity to undertake revenge.Bourdieusian theory is the theory used in analysis of revenge and personality change.In using Bourdieu’s theory for this research,his concepts of habitus,capital and field are the main focus of the research.Its starting point is the relationship or influence these concepts have on revenge.After,it focuses on the influence these concepts have on character transformation.Therefore,in investigating the issue of revenge,it is important to note in the first place what role Bourdieu’s concepts play in determination of revenge.In undertaking this,we must connect habitus,capital and field from the social,political and cultural perspectives.Based on this,this thesis makes an analysis of revenge leading to personality change in the Count of Monte Cristo from the perspective of Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus,capital and field examining the functions of these concepts in influencing revenge and character transformation.Therefore in this thesis,the issue of revenge is first discussed using Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus,capital and field laying more emphasis of habitus.Secondly four different identities are analyzed: Abbe Busoni,Lord Wilmore,Monte Cristo and Sinbad the Sailor.By analyzing the different identity transformations by Edmond Dantes,this thesis analyses the application of Bourdieu’s concepts in the Count of Monte Cristo and mainly focuses on three questions: 1)How is Bourdieu’s habitus expressed in Edmond Dantes revenge? 2)What influence does Edmond Dantes’ identity transformation has on his enemies and other characters? 3)How fundamental is Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural capital in analyzing Dantes’ adopted identities? After analyzing the fundamental focus of research in the study,the following three answers can be drawn:In analyzing revenge in the Count of Monte Cristo,the focus mainly is on the punisher and who are being punished.In the Count of Monte Cristo,it is Edmond Dantes who is taking revenge upon his enemies for falsely accusing him and imprisoning him.In analyzing the issue of revenge with the help of habitus,it is important to note that Edmond’s transition depicts how habitus is constructed.Every individual holds the belief about their possible future paths and achievements in life.However,these beliefs are informed directly or indirectly by evidence in the environment and this realized in relation to Edmond Dantes.The hostility of the environment being deprived of one’s freedom and happiness is a catalyst for the change of mindset and one’s dispositions.In this case his dispositions are changed inwardly and transformed into a bitter person.Secondly,in analyzing the influence of Dantes’ transformation on his enemies and other characters can be classified as negative and positive.Negative in the sense that,his transformation had a negative effect on his enemies.His enemies were the main reason for his disguise.For Dantes his transformation helped him gain access to his enemies to undertake revenge on them which ended in misery for his enemies.On the positive side,Dantes through his transformation helped other characters who deserved his help.An example is Monsieur Morrel whom he helped when he was in debt.His new identity also created the opportunity to fall in love again which he did with Haydee.Thirdly,judging from the various identity changes of Dantes,one thing was paramount which is;the aspect of being wealthy and influential.In analyzing this from the lens of Bourdieu,it is seen that Dantes’ wealth and taste for necessity can be linked to Bourdieu’s explanation of the dominant class.In explaining individual habitus,Dantes in spite of the wealth he possessed still had a sense of humility and care despite the torture he went through causing him to be bitter.Acquired habitus in the sense that,wealth and prestige move with nobility.Dantes is transformed based on his speech and language articulation and preference of food,clothing and taste for riches.The more research and studies done on the Count of Monte Cristo may help the spread and appreciation of the French culture creating more room for interest in adapting other culture overseas.In the process of gaining more insight to the text,the author makes a study on revenge leading to personality change in the Count of Monte Cristo.