Guide to the classics: bemused by the contemporary world? The Red and the Black might be just the friend you need
In The Red and the Black, Stendhal skewers the hypocrisies of post-revolutionary France.
Pierre-Joseph Dedreux-Dorcy and Henri-Joseph Dubouchet's 1884 portrait of French novelist Stendhal adorns the back cover of many copies of his 1830 work, The Red and the Black. Myself included, I found this novel to be a dear companion during my twenties. The novel has earned admiration across generations for its unflinching portrayal of hypocrisy and corruption. Rather, its enduring allure stems from the wry insights of its protagonist, Julien Sorel, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of Restoration France.
Though two centuries removed, Stendhal's depiction of the cruelties inherent in seduction, pious institutions, and unprincipled ambition remains as relevant today as it was during the novel's setting. For anyone perplexed by such issues in our contemporary world, The Red and the Black may serve as a comforting companion.
Stendhal, the pen name of Marie-Henri Beyle, was born and raised in Grenoble, a city in southeastern France. Influenced by the revolutionary spirit of Napoleonic France, he left his hometown for Paris in 1800. Upon returning from witnessing Napoleon's fall in 1815 and the rise of the old aristocracy, Stendhal would pen The Red and the Black, a story that reflects the two rival political factions of the Bourbon Restoration.
The "Red" faction, symbolized by Napoleon's military uniform, advocates for merit, business, and progress. Conversely, the "Black" faction, represented by the clergy, supports conserving the power that had been jeopardized during the French Revolution.
Stendhal's masterpiece offers a compelling protagonist in Julien Sorel, a passionate yet Machiavellian character who seeks to elevate himself from his humble beginnings in 1820s Restoration France. Despite encountering numerous instances of hypocrisy and corruption throughout his journey, Julien's unwavering support for the oppressed and his remarkable ability to adapt to each situation make him a sympathetic presence, much like Raskolnikov, Humbert Humbert, Don Draper, and Walter White in their respective literary works.
The novel's success lies not only in its portrayal of the Restoration France's political landscape but also in its portrayal of Julien Sorel, a despicable character whom we come to sympathize with and even cheer on. This achievement by Stendhal invites readers to reflect upon their own corruptions and moral decisions, making The Red and the Black a timeless classic that transcends time and resonates with contemporary audiences.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
