In 'The Red and the Black', Stendhal unfolds the gripping tale of Julien Sorel, a young man torn between ambition and the rigid social class structure of 19th-century France. His insatiable desire for power leads him through a labyrinth of love, betrayal, and moral conflict. As he navigates the intricacies of romance with wealthy women and the relentless pursuit of status, Julien's journey becomes a reflection on the human condition and the depths of ambition. With sharp wit and keen psychological insight, Stendhal portrays the struggle of an outsider seeking his place in a world filled with hypocrisy. Will Julien conquer his demons, or will he fall victim to the very society he seeks to rise above?
By Stendhal
Published: 2002
""To be happy is to love one’s own destiny. Nothing can be more beautiful than to love the life that one has chosen, even if it is imperfect.""
Charts the rise and fall of an ambitious young social climber in a cruel, monarchical society Handsome, ambitious Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble provincial origins. Soon realizing that success can only be achieved by adopting the subtle code of hypocrisy by which society operates, he begins to achieve advancement through deceit and self-interest. His triumphant career takes him into the heart of glamorous Parisian society, along the way conquering the gentle, married Madame de Rênal, and the haughty Mathilde. But then Julien commits an unexpected, devastating crime—and brings about his own downfall. The Red and the Black is a lively, satirical portrayal of French society after Waterloo, riddled with corruption, greed and ennui, and Julien—the cold exploiter whose Machiavellian campaign is undercut by his own emotions—is one of the most intriguing characters in European literature. Roger Gard's fine translation remains faithful to the natural, conversational tone of the original, while his introduction elucidates the complexities of Julien's character. This edition also contains a chronology, further reading and an appendix on Stendhal's use of epigraphs. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“"To be happy is to love one’s own destiny. Nothing can be more beautiful than to love the life that one has chosen, even if it is imperfect."”
The Red and the Black
By Stendhal
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Stendhal, the pen name of Henri Beyle, was a French novelist and music critic born on January 23, 1783, in Grenoble, France. He is best known for his groundbreaking works, including 'The Red and the Black' (1830) and 'The Charterhouse of Parma' (1839), which explore themes of ambition, irony, and the complexities of human emotions. Stendhal's writing style is characterized by its psychological insight and a keen observation of social realities, often blending realism with romantic elements. He is also credited with introducing the concept of 'crystallization' in love, illustrating his unique perspective on romantic relationships. Stendhal's influence on literature spans across centuries, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from romanticism to realism.
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