The novel "Red and Black" is often called the harbinger of psychological realism. Its author is the French writer Marie-Henri Beil, better known as Stendhal.
Red and Black: Summary
The events of the novel take place in France in the 1820s. Since the novel touches on social and political issues, a brief summary of “Red and Black” is worth starting with a description of the historical background. So, the work of Stendhal tells the story of the reign of Charles X, who tried to restore the order that existed before 1789.
Mer city of Vevieres Mr. de Renal decides to hire a tutor. The old cure recommended to him Julien Sorel, the 18-year-old son of a carpenter, who has rare abilities. Julien is very ambitious and ready for anything to succeed. It is worth noting that the protagonist throughout the novel has a choice between a church career (clergymen’s clothing was
black) and military service (the officer’s uniform was red), so Stendhal called the novel “Red and Black”.
The summary narrates that Mr. de Renal's wife soon realizes that she loves her tutor. Julien also finds her mistress charming and decides to conquer her for the sake of self-affirmation and revenge on Mr. de Renal. Soon they become lovers. But when Ms. de Renal’s son is seriously ill, it seems to her that this is punishment for her sin. Further, the novel “Red and Black,” a brief summary of which omits details, tells of an anonymous letter revealing to Mr. de Renal the truth about his betrayal of his wife. But she convinces her husband that she is innocent, and Julien is forced to leave Veviere.
The protagonist moves to Besancon and enters seminary. Here he makes friends with Abbot Pirard. The latter has the powerful patron saint of the Marquise de La Molle. The named aristocrat through the efforts of Pirard accepts Julien to his position of secretary. Further, “Red and Black,” a brief summary of which would be incomplete without social problems, describes Julien’s adaptation in Paris, and in particular in the aristocratic world. Julien turns into a real dandy. Even Matilda, the daughter of the Marquis falls in love with him. But after Matilda spends the night with Julien, he decides to break off the relationship.
Julien's acquaintance advises him to start caring for someone else to make Matilda jealous. Thus, the proud aristocrat again falls into the arms of the protagonist. Having become pregnant, Matilda decides to marry Julien. Upon learning of this, her father becomes furious, but still obeys his daughter. In order to somehow rectify the situation, the Marquis decides to create an appropriate position in society for the future son-in-law. But suddenly, a letter appears from Ms. Renal describing Julien as a hypocritical careerist. Because of this, he is forced to leave Matilda
Further, “Red and Black,” a brief summary of which cannot convey the whole psychology of the named novel, talks about the events that happened in Verriere. Julien enters a local church and shoots a former mistress. While in prison, he learns that the former lover survived. Now he realizes that he can die peacefully. But Matilda is doing her best to help him. Despite
this, Julien receives a death sentence. In prison, Mrs. de Renal conducts him and admits that the ill-fated letter was composed by her confessor. After that, Julien realizes that he loves only her, but that he will be executed on the same day. Matilda personally bury the head of the former groom.
The fate of the protagonist of the novel "Red and Black" reflects the features of public life in then France. This work is a kind of encyclopedia of the era of Restoration.