The Red and the Black
Summary
The Red and the Black is a novel written by Stendhal and first published in 1830. The story follows the life of Julien Sorel, a young man from the lower classes who attempts to climb the social ladder in Bourbon-era France through his intellect and charm. Julien stands out for his ambition and drive for success, while his society is torn between hypocritical spiritual and earthly powers. His journey through the novel includes working as a seminarian, then as a personal secretary to the local nobleman de Rênal, where he enters into a romantic relationship with the nobleman's wife, and further attempts to find his place in society. This tale of tragic love, social rise and fall explores themes of individualism, romanticism, and an analysis of the social structure of France at the time.
