Kelly Komoroski

Freedom can be the escape from someone elses control or from the world. It is finding yourself and losing yourself at the same time. Freedom is not what we acquire, its what you think. The theme of the Count of Monte Cristo Edmond learns that even in the darkest times light can come and lead the path. In the blessings we learn that you can escape and express themselves artistically and free themselves from judgement. The Count of Monte Cristo and Blessings explore the theme of freedom in different ways.

First, in The Count of Monte Cristo Edmond, a prisoner was trying to kill himself because he has been locked away from the entire world  in jail for years and he couldn’t stand it anymore. He one day found hope when he heard a scratching noise through the cells. He dreamed that if someone was trying to break free from jail then maybe he can do the same. He found out that it was another person in jail because of his working patterns. Getting out of that cell would give him freedom, no restrictions. He would be able to see the light and be able to walk around the world without a leash strapped to his neck. “Although weakened, the young man’s brain instantly responded to the idea that haunts all prisoners- liberty! It seemed to him that heaven had at length taken pity on him…”  This means that he had liberty before and he ruined it by breaking the law. He knows that freedom is a huge responsibility. He can either carry on with his free life or he can go back to the way he is now. “There is no doubt about it,” thought he; “it is some prisoner who is striving to obtain his freedom. Oh if I were only there to help him!” He has faith in him but at the same time he doesn’t. How could he get out without being caught?

Next, in Blessings, the characters are Jesse and Rene. They both can escape from reality. They can be free, they can express themselves in poetry and art.. I can relate. When I dance I don’t think about anything else, the homework I forgot to do, the friends drama, or even what I’m going to have for dinner. It’s just me moving through motions and expressing myself the way I want to and not getting judged by everyone else. It feels amazing to break free and you have another sensation of the world and you can really enjoy yourself. “Down at the Sunset Beach. You can see it flow clear down the mountain ‘til it forms a riverbend right on the beach, in the sand.” They can also look at nature and be free. Your thoughts can roam everywhere and you can see how beautiful everything really is. It doesn’t have to be physically free, but it can be mentally free. “Oh my gosh. Like it? I didn’t know sunsets came like this!” Sunsets can make you slow down time. It can make everything in the world stop.

Freedom can be the escape from someone elses control or from the world. It is finding yourself and losing yourself at the same time. The Count of Monte Cristo and Blessings both express freedom in two same and two different ways.