Penelon

Penelon is the veteran quartermaster of the Pharaon, the ship belonging to Morrel & Son, and a figure of unwavering loyalty to the Morrel family. He is first encountered in the aftermath of the ship's destruction, where his account of the disaster to the shipowner, M. Morrel, is a pivotal scene in the narrative. His character is defined by his deep attachment to his ship and his employer, his plain-spoken honesty, and his enduring devotion that transcends the loss of his livelihood.

The Shipwreck of the Pharaon

Penelon is the principal narrator of the Pharaon's final voyage. When the ship is lost, he is one of the eight survivors who are rescued by the crew of the vessel La Gironde. He presents himself to M. Morrel, who asks him to recount the tragedy. Penelon's story is a detailed and dramatic account of a storm encountered between Cape Blanc and Cape Boyador. He describes how the captain, Gaumard, took precautions against the approaching squall, but the vessel, being old, sprang a leak after twelve hours of heavy pitching. Despite the crew's efforts at the pumps, the water rose steadily. Penelon recounts the captain's desperate measure of threatening to shoot the first man who left his post, a detail that earns the approval of an Englishman present, who is in fact the Count of Monte Cristo in disguise. Ultimately, the captain ordered the crew to the boats, and Penelon describes how he threw the reluctant captain into the boat before jumping in himself, just as the deck burst and the Pharaon sank. His narrative is confirmed by the other sailors, and he concludes with the simple, honorable statement that they were not at fault, but that it was the will of God.

Loyalty and the Morrel Family

Penelon's loyalty is most clearly demonstrated in his refusal to abandon M. Morrel in his time of ruin. When Morrel, facing bankruptcy, pays the crew their wages and tells them they are free to find other employment, Penelon is deeply affected. He nearly swallows his quid in shock and asks, "What, M. Morrel! you send us away; you are then angry with us!" When Morrel explains he has no more ships and therefore no need for sailors, Penelon's response is a testament to his character: "No more ships!... well, then, you'll build some; we'll wait for you." He even offers to forgo his wages, saying they can "scud, like the Pharaon, under bare poles." This exchange highlights Penelon's profound personal attachment to his employer, which transcends mere financial obligation.

The Gardener of the Rue Meslay

Years later, after the Morrel family's fortunes have been restored, Penelon has transitioned from his role as quartermaster to that of a gardener at the family home in the Rue Meslay. He is described as an old man with gray hair, a bronzed face, and a determined glance, still bearing the marks of a sailor who has braved the elements. He is found diligently working in the garden, and his loyalty persists. When the Count of Monte Cristo visits the family, Penelon is present, and his presence serves as a living link to the family's past trials and their salvation. His role as gardener is a quiet but significant symbol of the peace and stability that the Morrel family has finally achieved, and his continued service underscores the enduring bonds of gratitude and fidelity that define the household.

Narrative Role and Significance

Penelon serves as a crucial witness and a symbol of the common sailor's virtue. His account of the Pharaon's loss provides the reader with a firsthand, dramatic perspective on the disaster that precipitates the Morrel family's financial crisis. More importantly, his unwavering loyalty and his simple, honest nature stand in stark contrast to the treachery and self-interest of the novel's antagonists. He is a representative of the honest, hardworking people whose lives are affected by the machinations of the wealthy and powerful, and his devotion to the Morrel family is a testament to the goodness that Monte Cristo seeks to reward. His presence in the later scenes of the novel serves as a reminder of the family's past struggles and the loyalty that helped them endure.