Thesis: Alexander Dumas, in his book The Count of Monte Cristo, argues that great happiness can only be achieved by suffering greatly; and if you suffer you will be paid back with happiness. .
Because the Count has suffered so much in the past and worked hard, he was a lot happier than he would have been if he didn't suffer; and he started believing in a God. For example, in the book, the Count says, "Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss,"(441). This seems to indicate that because he has known ultimate despair, he knows ultimate happiness. Another this is when Caderousse is dying, the Count tells him, "The proof of it is that you"re lying there helpless dying and denying God, while I stand before you rich, happy, healthy, and safe joining my hands before that God in whom you try not to believe in the depths of your heart,"(284). This is implying that all the suffering the Count went through was worth it because he's happy and safe. He's also saying that because he suffered and does not look up to anybody but God, since God is the one who gave him something to live for and drove him to surviving. .
Since both Maxemillien and Valentine felt the pain of not being together, they were a lot happier in the end. For example, Maxemillien one told the Count, "My friend, the voice of my heart is very sad and promises me nothing but sorrow," (408). During this time, Maxemillien thought Valentine was dead and felt as if the world was ending, he thought all his happiness was over. Then, "Maxemillien uttered a piercing cry. Doubting his senses, dazzled by what seemed to him a celestial vision he fell to his knees," (440). He was so surprised to see the love of his life, Valentine, whom he though had died, that he was overjoyed he fell to his knees in disbelief. It's obvious that they were both, Maxemillien especially, a lot happier that they have felt the sorrow of not being together and then re-joining.
