The want for prosperity has the power to drive those who seek it to perform deliberate acts of corruption. An identifiable act of corruption that served as the means for three men to obtain individual prosperity, whilst causing another man to be condemned for life was the root for the predominant theme of corruption in The Count of Monte Cristo. Each man who partook in the action of removing Edmond Dantes from his position of employment, father, and fiancee sought to gain prosperity in separate domains, M. Danglars in his occupation, M. de Villefort in his social standing, and Fernand Mondego with the love of Mercedes, Edmond's betrothed.
M. Danglars was a man filled with vicious hatred and cruel intentions towards Edmond Dantes. "We will leave Danglars struggling with the feelings of hatred, and endeavoring to insinuate in the ear of the shipowner, Morrel, some evil suspicions against his comrade... …