In modern times, expressions such as "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" are commonly used. Additionally, the simple word revenge has negative connotations because it is considered immature and unnecessary. The theme of revenge uses archetypes to develop ideas without having to reiterate the meaning. According to the creator of the term, Carl Jung, “archetypes are defined as being an unconscious idea, thought pattern, image, etc., collectively inherited, universally present in the individual psyche.” (Dictionary) The Count of Monte Cristo, one of the pioneering novels on this theme, tells the story of a man's quest to take revenge on those who betrayed him. This man spends 14 years of his life in prison because of his traitors, but he manages to escape to avenge his suffering. In the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas uses the archetypes of the Byronic hero, the traitor and the wise old man to demonstrate that suffering does not give them the right to take revenge on those who have disappointed them. archetype of the Byronic hero to demonstrate that suffering does not give right to revenge. A Byronic hero is a protagonist who is not virtuous, but rather possesses many negative qualities. He is passionate about a particular subject and has intellectual abilities that far exceed the average man. Often a Byronic hero is arrogant and self-centered. (Marinetti) In the novel, the Byronic hero is represented by the character of the Count of Monte Cristo. The Count sets out on a quest to seek revenge on those who betrayed him. “He took this same implacable oath of vengeance […] against Danglars, Fernand and Villefort. » (Dumas 212) The Count's motivation is to take revenge. He is so determined...... middle of paper...... he doesn't need it because his negative qualities seal his fate and the wise old man shows the benefit of having faith and forgiving to those who betrayed them. Rather than focusing on revenge, one should strive to move forward in life. All revenge does is stunt an individual's personal growth; the consequences far outweigh the benefits. Works cited Dumas, Alexandre. and Robin Buss. The Count of Monte Cristo, Canada: PenguinsClassics, 2003. Kindle. Amazon Digital Services, Inc. Sat, November 24. 2013Buss, Robin. Introduction. Preface. The Count of Monte Cristo. London: PenguinsClassics, 2003. ix-xv. Print.Marinetti, Amelita. The French Review Vol. 50.2 (1976): 260-269. JSTOR. Internet. January 20, 2014 “Archetype”. Dictionary.com full version. Random House, Inc. January 14. 2014. .