Henri Stendhal's "The Red and the Black"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains why "The Red and the Black," written by Henri Stendahl, is possibly the first early example of a political novel in Western literature. The plot of the novel, inspired by the then recent trial of a priest executed for shooting his mistress, revolves around Julien Sorel, who strives to rise in society. Inspired by Napoleon, Julien applies trickery and seduction to work his way into high society. This paper describes in detail Julien's hypocrisy which comes full circle as he finds himself working as an agent for a conservative conspiracy. The author uses this political interlude to deride both liberal and conservative politics while illustrating that not only were conservatives derailing the progress of French society but also the liberals who where hypocritically pursuing their own gain.

From the Paper:

"Julien is constantly playing a role, as an actor, a chameleon who changes to suit whatever society he is in, whether it be the company of the Marquis or his mistress or the Church or the king or a conspiracy. A man without qualities, he adopts the convention of whatever activity he is engaged in, seduction, passion, ambition, without sincerity, belief, or conviction. In fact, in another sense, red, or rouge, suits him because he is constantly acting, putting on the makeup. Stendhal even compares Julien to a beautiful sixteen year-old girl who unnecessarily puts on cosmetics, rouge, to attend a dance. Stendhal suggests that Julien's attempts to falsely present himself in the best light are actually gilding the lilly, foreshadowing his awareness of his own self-worth which only comes to him after he has been imprisoned and is awaiting execution."

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