The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 59. The Will. quiz

Questions and answers

1. 1

   Question 1. Why does Noirtier summon a notary in Chapter 59?

   • To contest a previous will made by his son Villefort
   • Correct answer: To make his own will
   • To arrange Valentine's marriage contract
   • To accuse Madame de Villefort of fraud

   Noirtier calls a notary specifically to dictate his will, using the legal document as leverage against Villefort's plans for Valentine's marriage.

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2. 2

   Question 2. How does Noirtier indicate 'yes' during the dictation of his will?

   • He winks his eye
   • Correct answer: He closes his eyes
   • He raises his finger
   • He moves his head slightly

   Valentine explains to the notaries that Noirtier closes his eyes to signal 'yes' and winks to signal 'no.'

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3. 3

   Question 3. What is the total value of Noirtier's estate as established before the notaries?

   • 400,000 francs
   • 600,000 francs
   • Correct answer: 900,000 francs
   • 1,200,000 francs

   The notary goes through increasing sums, and Noirtier signals agreement at 900,000 francs. Barrois retrieves a casket containing bank scrip that confirms this amount.

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4. 4

   Question 4. What is Noirtier's stated reason for disinheriting Valentine?

   • She has been neglecting his care
   • He prefers to leave the money to charity
   • Correct answer: She is engaged to Franz d'Epinay against his wishes
   • He believes she already has enough money from her late mother

   When Valentine asks if her engagement to Franz d'Epinay is the cause of her grandfather's actions, Noirtier confirms emphatically with 'yes.'

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5. 5

   Question 5. What does Villefort say to justify not contesting his father's will?

   • He says he respects his father's final wishes above all else
   • Correct answer: He says he cannot plead against the poor in his position
   • He says the will is likely to be overturned by the courts anyway
   • He says Valentine has enough wealth from her mother's estate

   Villefort tells the notary: 'I cannot plead against the poor,' using his professional standing as the excuse for publicly accepting the will.

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6. 6

   Question 6. Who serves as Noirtier's interpreter during the will proceedings?

   • Barrois, his loyal servant
   • Madame de Villefort
   • Correct answer: Valentine, his granddaughter
   • The family notary Deschamps

   Valentine, who has lived with Noirtier for six years, interprets his eye signals and spells out words from the dictionary on his behalf.

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7. 7

   Question 7. To whom is the sealed will entrusted at the end of the chapter?

   • Valentine de Villefort
   • Villefort himself
   • The first notary who attended
   • Correct answer: M. Deschamps, the family notary

   The chapter ends with the will approved, sealed in the presence of witnesses, and handed to M. Deschamps, the family notary, for safekeeping.

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8. 8

   Question 8. Which of these events happened in Chapter 59?

   • Barrois retrieved a casket containing bank scrip that confirmed Noirtier's fortune.

     Happened

   • Noirtier agreed to leave his fortune to his grandson Edward de Villefort.

     Didn't happen

   • Madame de Villefort struggled to conceal her satisfaction at Valentine's disinheritance.

     Happened

   • The first notary refused to participate and left before the will was completed.

     Didn't happen

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9. 9

   Question 9. Which of these statements about Chapter 59 are accurate?

   • Valentine told her grandfather he still left her the love she had always enjoyed.

     Happened

   • Villefort successfully persuaded the notary that Noirtier's mental faculties were impaired.

     Didn't happen

   • Two notaries were ultimately present for the drafting and sealing of the will.

     Happened

   • Noirtier indicated a desire to leave his fortune to the Church.

     Didn't happen

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10. 10

    Question 10. In the chapter, the notary refers to Noirtier as the 'testator.' What does this word mean?

    • A person who has lost the ability to speak
    • Correct answer: A person who has made a legally valid will
    • A legal witness to a signed document
    • A financial officer who manages an estate

    'Testator' is the legal term for the person making a will. The notaries use it when questioning Noirtier about the extent of his estate.

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11. 11

    Question 11. The notary asks whether Valentine is to be Noirtier's 'residuary legatee.' What is a legatee?

    • A legal representative who acts on behalf of a client
    • A judge who oversees inheritance disputes
    • Correct answer: A person who receives a bequest or legacy from a will
    • An official who certifies that a will is authentic

    A legatee is someone named to receive property or money through a will. The residuary legatee inherits whatever remains after specific bequests are paid.

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12. 12

    Question 12. Villefort dismisses the whole affair as yielding to the 'caprices' of an old man. What does 'caprices' mean?

    • Well-reasoned legal arguments
    • Correct answer: Sudden, unpredictable whims or changes of mood
    • Acts of calculated financial manipulation
    • Signs of mental deterioration

    'Caprices' are impulsive, arbitrary decisions. Villefort uses the word to dismiss his father's will as irrational, though the reader understands Noirtier's reasoning is entirely deliberate.

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