Chapter 35 - La Mazzolata

Summary

The Count of Monte Cristo invites Franz d'Epinay and Albert de Morcerf to his rented window in the Palazzo Rospoli to witness the execution of two condemned men, Peppino and Andrea, in the Piazza del Popolo. During the journey and lunch, the Count discusses his philosophy of vengeance with his guests, contrasting his methods with standard justice and dueling. Upon arriving at the square, they watch as Peppino is granted a last-minute pardon by a penitent, leaving Andrea to die alone. Andrea reacts with madness and rage, insisting on sharing his fate, and is subsequently executed by the mazzolata method while the Count observes the scene with intense, almost predatory satisfaction.

Characters

• Count (Count of Monte Cristo, Excellency) — The Count invites Franz and Albert to his window to witness an execution, discussing his views on vengeance and the inadequacy of European justice. He observes the execution of Andrea with a look of triumphant passion and a terrible laugh, remarking on the condemned man's fury at being pardined while his companion died.
• Franz — Franz accompanies Albert and the Count to the Piazza del Popolo, initially hesitant about seeing an execution but eventually drawn in by the Count's eloquence. He is terrified by the sight of Andrea's death and collapses in a chair, half-senseless, after the Count forces him to watch the condemned man's rage.
• Albert (Vicomte) — Albert eagerly accepts the Count's invitation to view the execution, describing it as a necessary travel experience. He remains standing during the event with his eyes closed, clasping the curtains, and is pleased with the Count's cigars during the earlier lunch.
• Bertuccio (Steward) — The steward answers the bell, reports on securing the window overlooking the Piazza del Popolo, and is dismissed after confirming the carriage arrangements. He later waits at the corner of the street for the party's arrival.
• Peppino (Rocca Priori) — Peppino, a handsome young bandit, walks firmly to the scaffold accompanied by priests. He is handed a pardon by a penitent, remaining silent and motionless as the announcement is made, and is spared execution while his companion Andrea dies.
• Andrea — Andrea, a short and fat man with a mean face, is supported by priests as he approaches the scaffold. Upon learning that Peppino has been pardined, he breaks into frenzied rage, screaming that he must not die alone, and is dragged onto the scaffold to be executed.
• Head (Head of the Order) — The head of the penitent order, dressed in a grey sack and holding a candle, leads the procession to the scaffold. He receives a sheet of paper from a late-arriving penitent and loudly announces the pardon for Peppino to the crowd.