Finding One’s Purpose in Life

With his new life of imprisonment in the Hotel Metropol, the Count sets out to define his purpose in life. He tries to follow the Grand Duke’s advice to try to master his circumstances. When this fails, the Count considers going down with his ship. A memory of home keeps the Count from killing himself so he tries again to master his life. The Count finds some purpose when he begins working in the Boyarsky but his true purpose in life is unveiled when he takes charge of raising Sofia.

After the Count has been under house arrest only a few days, he decides that his main priority is to look after the practical things he believes he will need. He compares his position to Robinson Crusoe who must learn how to start a fire using a flint. The Count...