Book details
The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830
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Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 44747
- Title
- The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
Set in post-Napoleonic France, this novel follows Julien Sorel, a poor but ambitious peasant who climbs the social ladder through education and manipulation. Stendhal explores the conflict between personal ambition and societal constraints, blending psychological introspection with a sweeping historical backdrop to create a timeless tragedy of energy and idealism.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
Stendhal's *The Red and the Black* is a profound psychological chronicle set in Restoration France, centering on Julien Sorel, the illegitimate son of a curate in the fictional town of Verrières. Educated at a seminary, Julien navigates a rigid class hierarchy by adopting a hypocritical piety to win the favor of Mayor M. de Renal and his wife, Madame de Renal. However, his true nature emerges through a secret, passionate affair with Mathilde de la Mole, the daughter of a powerful nobleman. Julien's ascent is defined by his chameleon-like ability to perform different roles—devout priest, ambitious soldier, and romantic hero—to suit his goals, constantly struggling between his sensitive, introspective nature and his ferocious drive for power. The narrative delves deeply into Julien's internal conflicts, his worship of Napoleon, his disdain for the conservative regime, and his complex relationships with women who represent both his vulnerabilities and his ambitions. As political tensions rise and personal intrigues deepen, Julien's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation that leads to his downfall and execution. Through Julien's tragic journey, Stendhal offers a critique of the era's social hypocrisy, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the enduring human struggle to define one's identity against overwhelming external forces. The novel stands as a masterpiece of psychological realism, capturing the essence of a generation caught between the revolutionary past and a conservative present.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44747.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg44747.epub - Downloaded at
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People
Authors
- Stendhal
Classification
Categories
- Psychology
- Classics
- Religion
- Fiction
- Politics