Coinage--Economic Roots--Example
Knowing the coinage and economic roots can move
your plot along in interesting ways. For example, in the movie The Count of Monte Cristo conflict is
tied into the system from the very beginning. Alongside the financial and
social system is a barter system that seeks to gain influence in various means.
Edmond Dantes is duped by Napoleon into passing
on a letter. The magistrate, Villefort, acknowledges Edmond’s innocence until
he discovers that the letter was meant for his father. Villefort then uses the
barter to put Dantes away for life in prison; both for his own political safety
and as a favor to Fernand Mondego, a childhood friend of Dantes, who despite
his own wealth and status is eaten up by jealousy for anything Dantes achieves.
Although the viewer does not see the full
results until the end of the movies, both men extend their pact and use the
barter in increasing ways to solidify their greed as they grasp for influence
and power. Fueled by his own revenge Dantes uses their very system to force
them into accountability. He squeezes them financially to ruin and public
display.
The moral compass and reasoning differs between
all three men, but all are able to use the coinage system of their era to
achieve their desired ends. And all are in conflict with each other adding
critical tension to reach the crisis and climax points.
Exercise:
Use
either this movie or another of your choice, plot out the turning moral turning
points/decisions for one of these characters that had a direct effect
financially or socially for them.
Share:
What is another well known novel or movie that you consider a good example of
weaving conflict through coinage roots?
