In The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, there is a recurrent theme that God rewards and punishes in His own time in such a manner that the events may look like coincidences. Although this timing may seem coincidental, the events are the result of long-prepared plans for justice by the title character, also known as Edmond Dantès. As Dantès, disguised as Abbé Busoni, narrates his fate to one of his enemies, Caderousse, he comments that “There are times when God’s justice tarries for a while and it appears to us that we are forgotten by Him, but the time always comes when we find it not so, and here is the proof.” (p. 162) For instance, Dantès’ false imprisonment is avenged over the period of many years as each antagonist is
