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.
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