Book Review – 62 – The Red and the Black by Stendhal

Book Review – 62 – The Red and the Black by Stendhal

Title: The Red and the Black. Author: Stendhal. Publication Details: First published in 1830; various editions and translations available, with the most notable English translations appearing in the 20th century. Genre: Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Critique.

Introduction

The Red and the Black (original French title Le Rouge et le Noir) by Stendhal is a seminal work of French literature, often considered one of the first psychological novels. Set in the post-Napoleonic era, it tells the story of Julien Sorel, a young, ambitious man who navigates the complexities of social class, love and personal aspiration in a rigid, hierarchical society. The novel is a sharp critique of the social and political atmosphere of Restoration France, examining the moral and psychological tensions of its characters.

Summary of the Plot

The novel follows Julien Sorel, a young peasant from a small village in France, who dreams of rising above his humble beginnings and entering the ranks of the aristocracy. Julien is sharp, driven and acutely conscious of his social standing, which leads him to pursue avenues in both the church and the military— represented by the "red" of the soldier's uniform and the "black" of the priestly robes. He initially becomes a tutor to the children of the wealthy M. de la Mole. There, he falls in love with Mathilde de la Mole, the passionate and aristocratic daughter of his employer, which sets off a chain of events that includes deception, moral compromise and betrayal.

As Julien becomes embroiled in a series of romantic and political intrigues, his ambition and emotions lead him to make critical decisions that shape his fate. Ultimately, Julien’s aspirations lead to his downfall as he struggles to reconcile his desires with the moral values and expectations of the society he inhabits.

Analysis of Themes

Stendhal explores several key themes in The Red and the Black, most notably ambition, social mobility, love and passion and morality. Julien’s relentless pursuit of upward mobility is a central theme, reflecting the tensions between personal desires and the constraints of society. His ambition to transcend his peasant origins leads him to manipulate his social connections and deceive others, creating a stark contrast between his inner desires and the expectations placed on him.

Ambition and Social Mobility: Julien’s climb up the social ladder is a poignant commentary on the rigidity of class distinctions in post-revolutionary France. His desire to succeed in a system that rewards wealth and power reflects the inner conflict between his humble roots and his aspirations to attain the status and privileges of the nobility. This theme is explored through Julien's manipulation of both the religious and military institutions as stepping stones to success.

Love and Passion: Julien’s relationships, especially with Mathilde and Mme. de Rênal, are charged with deep emotion and complexity. These romantic entanglements not only complicate his personal life but also serve as a mirror to his inner conflicts, revealing the tension between romantic idealism and the realities of societal constraints.

Moral Dilemmas and Hypocrisy: Julien’s journey is characterized by his attempts to reconcile his own values with the rigid expectations of the world around him. The hypocrisy of both the church and the aristocracy plays a major role in Julien’s disillusionment, as he realizes the moral compromises he must make to succeed in these systems.

Style and Structure

1. Narrative Style

Stendhal employs a third-person omniscient narrative style, allowing the reader to explore the innermost thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, Julien. This narrative perspective provides deep psychological insight into Julien’s character, capturing his ambitions, insecurities, and emotional conflicts. The novel is structured as a series of episodes that reflect Julien’s progress (and eventual decline) within different social settings, such as the provincial town, the aristocratic mansion and the military environment.

Stendhal uses a realistic approach to character development, showing how Julien’s actions are driven by his desires and motivations. The psychological depth of the narrative style is one of the novel’s greatest strengths, allowing readers to understand the complexities of Julien’s character and the moral challenges he faces.

2. Language and Tone

Stendhal’s writing is marked by clarity and precision, with an analytical tone that reflects his interest in the psychological and social realities of his characters. His satirical wit often shines through as he critiques the hypocrisy of the aristocracy and the church. The tone is both critical and empathetic, providing a nuanced view of Julien’s character without fully condemning him.

The novel’s language is often straightforward and unadorned, contributing to its realistic style. However, when depicting the romantic or emotionally charged scenes, Stendhal’s writing becomes more lyrical and expressive, capturing the intensity of Julien’s passions and the tensions in his relationships. This dynamic use of language enhances the contrast between the different aspects of Julien’s life— his intellectual aspirations, his emotional turmoil, and his moral struggles.

Critical Evaluation

1. Strengths

Psychological Depth: One of the major strengths of The Red and the Black is its profound exploration of Julien Sorel's psychology. Stendhal crafts a protagonist who is deeply conflicted, driven by ambition yet plagued by inner turmoil. Julien's aspirations to transcend his lower-class origins and integrate into higher society create a complex internal struggle between personal desires and the moral compromises he must make. This intricate portrayal of his character places The Red and the Black as a precursor to modern psychological novels. Authors like Flaubert and Proust were clearly influenced by Stendhal's approach to character development, focusing on the internal complexities that shape human behavior rather than external actions alone.

Social Critique: Stendhal’s keen critique of post-Napoleonic French society adds another layer of depth to the narrative. The novel uses Julien's journey to reflect on the rigid social structure of the time, where class divisions are tightly entrenched, and those seeking upward mobility must contend with corruption and hypocrisy. The church and the aristocracy are depicted as institutions rife with moral compromise, and Stendhal does not hesitate to expose their flaws. Through Julien’s interactions with these institutions, the novel becomes a scathing commentary on the societal systems that stifle individuality, morality and true meritocracy.

Character Complexity: The characters in The Red and the Black, particularly Julien, Mathilde de la Mole and Mme. de Rênal, are far from one-dimensional. Julien is not just a naïve, ambitious young man but a complex individual whose interactions with those around him— especially with the women in his life— reveal his vulnerabilities, ambitions and moral confusion. Both Mathilde and Mme. de Rênal play key roles in Julien’s development and although they exist in the shadow of his desires, their complexity as characters, caught in their own emotional entanglements, adds significant depth to the story.

2. Weaknesses

Pacing: While the psychological depth of the novel is a strength, it can also lead to issues with pacing. Particularly in the middle sections, the novel’s focus on Julien's introspection and emotional conflicts can feel drawn-out. Readers who are expecting more action or quicker plot progression may find certain parts of the novel repetitive, especially when Stendhal delves into Julien's internal struggles. This slower pace might alienate those looking for a more dynamic narrative.

Limited Female Characters: Another notable flaw in The Red and the Black is the underdevelopment of its female characters. While Mathilde de la Mole and Mme. de Rênal are central to Julien’s emotional and social life, they often feel like reflections of Julien’s desires and social ambitions, rather than fully realized characters in their own right. Mathilde, in particular, is portrayed as a figure of passion and contradiction but her personal motivations and struggles are not explored as deeply as Julien’s. This diminishes the richness of the novel’s portrayal of gender dynamics and limits the exploration of women’s roles in the social structure.

Conclusion

The Red and the Black is a masterful exploration of ambition, social mobility, love and morality, set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic France. The novel follows Julien Sorel, a young man from a humble background, who seeks to rise in society through the church and the military, symbolized by the "red" of the military and the "black" of the clerical cassock. Stendhal’s psychological depth in portraying Julien’s inner struggles, moral conflicts and aspirations makes him one of literature’s most complex characters. The novel is a sharp critique of the rigid social structures of the time, exposing the corruption and hypocrisy inherent in the aristocracy and the church.

While the novel excels in its character study and social commentary, it does have some weaknesses. The pacing, especially in the middle sections, can feel slow and repetitive as the narrative delves into Julien’s introspection and emotional conflicts. Additionally, the female characters, notably Mathilde de la Mole and Mme. de Rênal, are not as fully developed as Julien, and often serve as reflections of his desires and ambitions rather than fully realized individuals.

Despite these flaws, The Red and the Black remains an essential read for anyone interested in the psychological intricacies of ambition and the moral complexities of social ascent. Its timeless examination of the tensions between personal desires and societal constraints makes it a classic in the study of human nature, with lasting relevance for modern readers.

References

1. Stendhal, The Red and the Black, Translated by C.K. Scott Moncrieff, Modern Library, 2002.

2. Stendhal, The Red and the Black, Translated by Richard Howard, Penguin Classics, 2000.

3. Picon, Gaëtan. Stendhal: A Life, Harvard University Press, 2001.

4. Roudaut, Jean. Stendhal: A Critical Biography, Oxford University Press, 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do the colors red and black symbolize in the Stendhal’s The Red and the Black novel?

The colors red and black represent the two major paths Julien seeks to follow: red symbolizes the military, ambition and passion, while black represents the clerical life, intellect, and the desire for social power.

How does Stendhal’s The Red and the Black critique French society?

The novel critiques post-Napoleonic French society by highlighting the hypocrisy and moral compromises required to succeed within the church and the aristocracy, as well as the contradictions in the social and political order.