The Countdown of Monte Cristo

Anchoring the Pharaon and Meeting the Crew (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 1)

📚 Summary:As the Pharaon approaches port, Edmond Dantès expertly commands the crew to prepare the ship for anchoring. M. Morrel, the ship’s owner, climbs aboard and speaks with Danglars, the supercargo, who informs him of Captain Leclère’s death while praising the late captain’s service. Meanwhile, Dantès remains focused on his duties, showcasing his leadership and popularity among the crew in contrast to Danglars' unlikable nature.
✨ What Happens:
Dantès commands the crew to lower the sails and ready the ship for anchoring with precision.
M. Morrel boards the ship and converses with Danglars, who reports Captain Leclère’s death.
Danglars, disliked for his arrogance, praises Captain Leclère while subtly contrasting himself with Dantès.
Dantès continues to display his leadership, earning the respect of the crew.
💡 Thoughts & Reflections:
Dantès vs. Danglars: The text paints a stark contrast—Dantès is admired, while Danglars is insufferable.
M. Morrel’s Priorities: Morrel’s focus on the cargo might feel singular-minded, but at least he asks about Leclère’s well-being. Is it genuine concern or just business-minded worry about his bottom line?
📖 Tidbits:
Sailor Commands: Terms like “brail up the spanker” and “clue up” reflect Dantès’ expertise in managing the ship’s sails and crew.
Supercargo’s Role: Danglars’ position highlights the commercial and hierarchical dynamics aboard the Pharaon.
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The Countdown of Monte Cristo – Episode 0003 – Chapter 1

📚 Summary:In this episode, Edmond Dantès recounts the tragic death of Captain Leclère, who succumbed to a sudden fever after a troubling encounter in Naples. The crew honored him with a burial at sea near El Giglio Island, preserving his sword and cross of honor for his widow. While Dantès reflects on the futility of life and war, M. Morrel turns his attention to the voyage’s success, revealing the Pharaon’s exceptional profitability.
✨ What Happens:
Captain Leclère falls ill and dies three days after leaving Naples.
The crew buries him at sea near El Giglio Island, keeping his sword and cross of honor for his widow.
Dantès reflects on mortality and war, while M. Morrel focuses on the cargo’s value and profitability.
Dantès advises M. Morrel not to accept 25,000 francs for the voyage’s profits, highlighting its great success.
💡 Thoughts & Reflections:
The burial at sea is a somber and vivid moment, underscoring the dangers of maritime life.
Dantès’ confidence in the voyage’s profits reinforces his competence as first mate and his value to M. Morrel.
📖 Tidbits:
Maritime Trade Practices: In the 19th century, shipowners often negotiated profits based on projected earnings, making Dantès’ advice about undervaluation both practical and insightful.
Symbolism of 25,000 Francs: The figure emphasizes the economic stakes and serves as a narrative device to highlight the Pharaon’s success.
📣 Support the Show:Love exploring The Count of Monte Cristo? Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow literature lovers. You can also support the show and our podcast network at patreon.com/gruntworkpod.
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The Countdown of Monte Cristo – Episode 0002 – Chapter 1

📚 Summary:In this episode, Edmond Dantès informs M. Morrel of Captain Leclère’s tragic death from brain fever during the Pharaon’s voyage. Despite the loss, Dantès demonstrates calm leadership as he ensures the ship and cargo are in perfect order. Along the way, we dive into 19th-century medical mysteries and explore the term “brain fever.”
✨ What Happens:
Edmond Dantès reports the death of Captain Leclère to M. Morrel, describing his struggle with brain fever.
The cargo and ship remain safe, reflecting Dantès’ competence and composure.
Dantès’ character and leadership qualities are highlighted as he commands the crew with precision.
💡 Thoughts & Reflections:
What is “brain fever”?
A vague 19th-century term for various neurological or febrile conditions, possibly meningitis, encephalitis, typhus, or heatstroke.
Robin Buss’ translation refers to “apoplectic fever,” suggesting a severe, acute illness.
The description of Dantès as calm and self-assured sets the tone for his character’s role in the story.
📖 Tidbits:
19th-Century Medicine: Terms like “brain fever” reflect the limited medical understanding of the time and often evoke drama in literature.
Edmond Dantès: Introduced as a capable and level-headed young sailor, beloved by his crew and trusted by his employer.
📣 Support the Show:Love diving into The Count of Monte Cristo? Subscribe to the podcast, share with your friends, and leave a review! You can also support this project and more by joining us at patreon.com/gruntworkpod.
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The Countdown of Monte Cristo – Episode 0001 – Chapter 1

🌊 Summary:The Pharaon makes its slow, solemn approach to Marseille’s port on February 24, 1815, fresh from its journey through Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples. While expertly handled, the ship’s demeanor stirs unease in the crowd of onlookers. One man’s instinct drives him to row out to meet the vessel—a hometown hero’s return tinged with mystery.
📚 What Happens:
The Pharaon, a three-masted ship, arrives at Marseille, becoming the city’s center of attention.
Its slow approach sparks unease, despite its flawless handling.
A spectator, unable to wait, rows out to meet the ship as it nears La Réserve basin.
💡 Thoughts & Reflections:
The spectacle of a ship’s return feels like a hometown celebration—but with a twist of foreboding.
The unsettling vibes here reminded me of those moments when you just know something is off. (Think pre-disaster vibes, though luckily, no explosions here!)
Personal confession: this project is already testing my limits. Between wrestling with phonetic pronunciations and my Midwestern roots, my lack of linguistic finesse is shining bright.
📖 Tidbits:
Three-Master Ship: With three masts and multiple sails, ships like the Pharaon were the workhorses of maritime trade in the 19th century.
Marseille’s Pride: The bustling port and La Canebière were Marseille’s lifeblood, bringing together commerce, spectacle, and seafaring tradition.
✨ Support the Show:Love what you’re hearing? Help keep this absurd journey afloat! Subscribe to my Patreon at @landencelano or support our growing podcast network at @gruntworkpod.
🎧 Let’s dive into this epic tale together—one passage at a time.
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Introduction to The Countdown to Monte Cristo

Welcome to The Countdown of Monte Cristo
📚 Summary:Welcome to The Countdown of Monte Cristo! Join host Landen Celano as he embarks on a daily journey through Alexandre Dumas’ epic masterpiece, The Count of Monte Cristo. Starting January 20, 2025, and continuing until January 20, 2029, this podcast delivers bite-sized passages of the classic novel each day. Along the way, Landen shares reflections, research, and recaps to keep us immersed in the story—and help us escape the chaos of the modern world.
✨ What to Expect:
Daily Passages: A brief, pocket-sized morsel of The Count of Monte Cristo, read from the Gutenberg version (1846 translation).
Thoughts & Reflections: Insights, historical context, and recaps to deepen your connection to the text.
A Shared Journey: For fans of literature or first-time readers, this podcast is a daily escape into Dumas’ timeless tale.
💡 Why This Project?
Host Landen Celano has never read The Count of Monte Cristo—until now. This podcast is as much his discovery as it is yours.
The daily format turns an epic book into an approachable adventure, one tiny passage at a time.
The public domain Gutenberg text allows you to download the book for free and follow along!
📣 How to Support the Show:
Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcatcher.
Share the podcast with your friends and fellow book lovers.
Rate and Review to help others discover this absurdly ambitious project.
Join the Grunt Work Podcast Network’s Patreon at patreon.com/gruntworkpod to support this show and others like it.
🚀 An Invitation:Step into the world of Alexandre Dumas with Landen Celano and escape the daily grind for just a few moments each day. Together, let’s navigate The Count of Monte Cristo—one passage, one thought, and one day at a time.
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