At the beginning of the novel, Dantès is a young and idealistic sailor who is deeply committed to the ideals of honor and loyalty. When he is falsely accused of treason and imprisoned on the island of If, he holds onto the belief that he will eventually clear his name and restore his honor through a duel with his betrayers.
However, during his years of imprisonment, Dantès undergoes a profound transformation. He becomes disillusioned with the world he once knew and begins to question the values and beliefs that he had previously held dear. He comes to see dueling as a barbaric and archaic practice that serves only to perpetuate violence and hatred.
As the Count of Monte Cristo, Dantès uses his newfound wealth and power to enact revenge on those who wronged him. However, he does so in a way that subverts the traditional notions of honor and justice. Rather than resorting to duels, he employs cunning strategies and manipulation to bring about the downfall of his enemies.
Dantès's evolving views on dueling are reflected in his interactions with various characters throughout the novel. For example, he has a conversation with the Abbé Faria, a fellow prisoner on the island of If, who argues that dueling is a barbaric and irrational practice. Dantès initially dismisses Faria's arguments, but they gradually begin to resonate with him, especially as he witnesses the devastation that duels cause in the lives of those involved.
In conclusion, Edmond Dantès's views on duels undergo a significant transformation throughout The Count of Monte Cristo. Initially, he sees dueling as a legitimate and honorable means of defending one's reputation and seeking justice. However, his experiences and reflections during his imprisonment lead him to question the morality and futility of dueling, ultimately leading him to reject it as a means of resolving conflicts.