Today is letter P:
Why? Because he's the pithy mentor and I just have a soft spot for wise old teachers. Every hero needs one, and sometimes they come in the least likeliest of ways--mainly I think that's because all the good ones are already taken. lol. Seriously, the classic stories have used up all the images of wise mentors, so now it's up to us writers to think outside the box and create new ones.
But back to the Priest from Count of Monte Cristo--he was just the epitome of the role. So much to teach, and whom without, Edmond Dantes would have never succeeded as he did. The Priest held the treasure map, that much is true... and without knowing the priest, Edmond would've never had access to the trove of treasure buried away on some unknown island. BUT! The real treasure was in the knowledge the Priest passed on to him.
Now the book is a classic through and through, and one of my faves. There's also more than one film version, but I just adore any performance by Richard Harris, and him as the Priest was pure perfection.
The best part of the story (and film) is when the Priest is teaching Edmond in the cell. Here are a few lines that resonate:
PRIEST: In return of your help, I offer you something priceless.
EDMOND: My freedom?
PRIEST: No, freedom can be taken away, as you well know. I offer you my knowledge.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a story masterpiece, IMO
And as a bonus for P day, another fave character:
How about you? Have a fave P character to share? Or any thoughts on my picks? I love to hear from you! Share anything you like ...
29 comments:
Miss Piggy was my nickname in highschool. Boy! Did I hate highschool, too.
Ah, the priest is so wise!
Hm, P. My brain just went blank!
Very cool post, Pk
Karen
Awesome selections for today, both of them.
The priest is indeed a wise man!
Two awesome characters, I need to watch Monte Cristo again!
Love the Count of Monte Cristo. Definitely one of my faves. And who can resist Miss Piggy?
I love Miss Piggy too and Pollyanna was another childhood favorite.
Poor Priest man! But Miss Piggy is my icon! Take care
x
Don't know much about the Priest Man, but I do love Miss Piggy. Who doesn't!
Yes, the 2002 movie version with Jim Caviezel was awesome. One of my favorite movies.
Has to be Miss Piggy!
I loved Miss Piggy on the TV,
Thanks for the memories.
Yvonne.
great p characters! from pleasantly unexpected to posh & outspoken!
Funny! I was never a Miss Piggy fan.
My mind went blank til I read the comments....Pollyanna for me too :)
The Priest almost steals the movie the acting is so terrific. Sorry, PK, but I was never a big Miss Piggy fan. Haven't a clue why.
I recently heard on an interview that the inspiration for Miss Piggy was a truck driver. No wonder she has to fight so hard for her glam. Count of Monte Cristo is a fav of mine. I have a very old hardback edition that I treasure.
Love the Count of Monte Christo and the priest steals the show. Ah, that miss Piggy! What a tart!
Denise
I'm pretty sure this book is on my TBR shelf...physically on it right now. But I have so many books there that I can't be sure. haha
I love mentor characters. Good choice!
I have read the book at least 20 times because of my students assignments. It is definitely a classic. Yeah, and we writers have to think of ways a mentor can be introduced without sticking to the age old formula,
Sage advice, and well delivered as I recall from the film. Here are some kisses for Miss Piggy. That enchantress is timeless.
Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorites..literature and film :)
PK, I think I've missed part of your alphabet of late. Love your choice for P ... love that you are taking most of your letters from characters in books and movies.
To be a bit silly, I will share my favorite P character when I was a little girl ... my grand heroine ... Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lingren. Only three short books, but a legacy for little girls to treasure :)
Love me some Miss P..she is just fab.
I love Ms. Piggy. She has spunk!
Great choice, PK. I own the book, but was never really able to enjoy it the way I did that classic film. I totally agree with you about Harris. He's very missed.
-Jimmy
I think Richard Harris did the best job he could when acting, and he didn't let us down in that role. As for Miss Piggy, I love her.
Miss Piggy! Gotta love her. :)
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