The Red and the Black

Historical Context and Significance

The Red and the Black is a novel by French writer Stendhal, first published in 1830. This work became a classic of world literature and one of the greatest novels of the 19th century, marking the transition from romanticism to realism. The novel analyzes French society of the time through the story of the young ambitious provincial Julien Sorel. The main themes are the struggle for power, social intrigue, love, and disappointment. The author masterfully depicts the conflict between ambition and feelings, the pursuit of success within a rigid social hierarchy. The Red and the Black had a significant influence on the development of the psychological novel genre and is studied in literature courses as an important source for understanding the socio-political climate of France on the eve of the July Revolution of 1830.