Writing allows both the writer and the reader to discover new ideas and connections between topics. Looking through the lense that writing gives the reader provides a release from the normality of life. When I was younger I had a very active imagination; I created my own world through short stories and wrote poetry about nature and animals. In middle school, my love of writing withered away as rough encounters with my English teachers and peers chipped away at my confidence. Until the senior year of high school, I thought my passion for writing disappeared completely until I was finally given the chance to write about the stories of Alexandre Dumas, the author who wrote The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers, and many other classic pieces of literature. I normally steered clear of historical novels due to my preconception that they were drawn out history lessons, but I could not resist the works of Alexandre Dumas, and so I ventured back into writing fueled by the new worlds Dumas’ created through history and my excitement to share my discoveries.

The writings of Alexandre Dumas opened my eyes to a style of historical literature that was full of twists and turns. The intricacies of revenge plots, spies, and complex social understandings drew me into his stories and I easily connected with his characters. Before reading Dumas’ work I believed historical literature to be dry and boring, however, Dumas’ work was the exact opposite. The research paper on Alexandre Dumas became my chance to finally return to writing about my interests instead of predetermined prompts for the entire class. My first reading, The Count of Monte Cristo occurs during the timespan of 1815-1839 where Dumas’ utilizes the political tension in France to fuel his story. For example, the main character Edmond Dantes is immediately thrown in prison on his wedding day after his crewmate Danglars, and Dantes’ neighbor Caderousse falsely accused Edmond of being a Bonapartist trader. The Count of Monte Cristo shows how our actions affect everything in the future and emphasises how revenge can end up hurting only the innocent. The action-packed novel creates a multi-dimensional world that provides a window into the past which allows for fictional touches and an exaggeration of the time period. Dumas’ writing inspired me to return to writing and expand my understanding of the world. My senior year research paper allowed me to reconnect with the style of writing I love and allowed me to share my new findings with others.

Through reading new genres I expanded my view of the world and rekindled my love of writing through my desire to share what I have learned with others. The writings of Alexandre Dumas allowed me to venture into unknown territory both in reading and writing styles. My senior year research paper provided me with a chance to connect with a different style of writing and share it with my classmates.