Alexander Dumas
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alexander Dumas
Also known as Alexandre Dumas père to distinguish him from his son Alexandre Dumas fils.
Birth and Death Dates
24 August 1802 – 5 December 1870
A French writer, best remembered for his historical adventures and romantic novels.
Nationality and Profession(s)
French author, playwright, and historian.
Dumas was a prolific writer who wrote over 50 plays and numerous novels, short stories, and articles. He is considered one of the most popular authors in France during the 19th century.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Dumas was born on 24 August 1802, in Villers-Cotterêts, a small town north of Paris. His father, General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, was a renowned military officer who had served under Napoleon Bonaparte. Although his father's exact parentage is disputed, it is believed that he was the illegitimate son of Alexandre Antoine Davy de la Pailleterie and Marie-Claire Flavigny.
Growing up in an aristocratic family, Dumas received a good education, which included studying at the Collège des Quatre-Nations in Paris. However, his early life was marked by poverty and hardship after his father's death when he was just 14 years old. Dumas had to support himself through writing, initially producing articles and short stories for various newspapers.
Major Accomplishments
Dumas is renowned for his historical fiction novels that often featured themes of adventure, romance, and social justice. Some of his most notable works include:
The Count of Monte Cristo (1844): a classic tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.
The Three Musketeers (1844): the first book in Dumas's iconic "D'Artagnan Romances" series.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1848): another popular novel from the same series.
These novels have become an integral part of French literature and continue to captivate readers worldwide with their rich characters, intricate plots, and historical settings.
Notable Works or Actions
Dumas was not only a writer but also an advocate for social justice. He was involved in various charitable activities, including:
Abolition of Slavery: Dumas was an outspoken critic of slavery, writing several articles and novels that highlighted the injustices faced by enslaved people.
* French Revolution: During his lifetime, Dumas witnessed the French Revolution's impact on France. He wrote extensively about this period, drawing parallels between the revolutionaries' struggles for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Impact and Legacy
Alexander Dumas's contributions to literature are immeasurable. His novels have been translated into numerous languages, influencing generations of writers and readers worldwide. As a historical fiction pioneer, he paved the way for authors like Victor Hugo and Gustave Flaubert.
Moreover, his commitment to social justice continues to inspire people today. Dumas's advocacy for the abolition of slavery and his involvement in the French Revolution demonstrate his dedication to creating positive change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dumas is widely quoted and remembered due to his captivating stories that have become an integral part of popular culture. His novels, often described as "historical adventures," continue to captivate readers with their intricate plots, memorable characters, and historical settings.
As a writer, Dumas's work has had a lasting impact on literature and continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike.
Quotes by Alexander Dumas
-Em geral, as pessoas só pedem conselhos - dizia - para não segui-los, ou, quando os seguem, só para ter alguém a quem recriminar por havê-los dado.
Good Heaven! That is enough to drive away all my pains; I could mount him with thirty balls in my body. On my soul, handsome stirrups!
As for his wife, he bowed to her, as some husbands do to their wives, but in a way that bachelors will never comprehend, until a very extensive code is published on conjugal life.
It was a human storm, composed of a thunder of cries, and a hail of sweetmeats, flowers, eggs, oranges, and nosegays.
Besides, it is no reason because you have not seen an execution at Paris, that you should not see one anywhere else; when you travel, it is to see everything. Think what a figure you will make when you are asked, "How do they execute at Rome?" and you reply, "I do not know"!
Oh, no; I should find there people who would force me to understand things of which I would prefer to remain ignorant, and who would try to explain to me, in spite of myself, a mystery which even they do not understand.
The paths of which you were just speaking have been traced by all young men of ardent imaginations. Besides the pleasure there is always remorse, from the indulgence of our passions; and after all, what have you men to fear from all this; the world excuses, and notoriety ennobles you?
Count,' said Morrel, 'you are the epitome of all human knowledge, and you seem like a being descended from a wiser and more advanced world than ours.''There is something true in what you say,' said the count, with that smile which made him so handsome; 'I have descended from a planet called grief.