# The Red and the Black — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Red and the Black by Stendhal.

- [Chapter I. A Small Town](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-i-a-small-town.md): The chapter introduces the town of Verrières in Franche-Comté, a prosperous manufacturing town known for its sawmills and nail factory. The town's mayor, M. de Rênal, is a wealthy manufacturer who owns the nail factory a
- [Chapter II. A Mayor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-ii-a-mayor.md): This chapter introduces M. de Rênal, the mayor of Verrières, and his preoccupation with public reputation and utility. It describes his pride in the public promenade, his authoritarian management of trees, and his irrita
- [Chapter III. The Poor Fund](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-iii-the-poor-fund.md): The chapter opens with the curé Chélan, an old and respected priest, accompanying M. Appert, a Parisian visitor, on a tour of the local prison and workhouse. Despite warnings and threats from the mayor and the director o
- [Chapter IV. A Father And A Son](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-iv-a-father-and-a-son.md): Old Sorel discovers Julien reading instead of tending the saw, and violently punishes him. M. de Rênal arrives to offer Julien a position as tutor, and old Sorel negotiates shrewdly, suspecting Valenod's interest. Julien
- [Chapter V. A Negotiation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-v-a-negotiation.md): Julien Sorel, a young peasant with a fiery soul and a prodigious memory, prepares to leave his father's sawmill to become the tutor for M. de Rênal's children. His father, Old Sorel, negotiates the terms with M. de Rênal
- [Chapter VI. Ennui](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-vi-ennui.md): Julien Sorel, now tutor to the de Rênal children, astounds the household by reciting the entire New Testament from memory. His fame spreads through Verrières, and M. de Rênal offers him a two-year contract, which Julien 
- [Chapter VII. The Elective Affinities](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-vii-the-elective-affinities.md): Julien Sorel, now tutor to the de Rênal children, remains emotionally detached and resentful of the provincial society that employs him. Madame de Rênal, increasingly sympathetic to his poverty and proud nature, attempts
- [Chapter VIII. Little Episodes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-viii-little-episodes.md): Julien's rejection of Elisa's marriage proposal brings unexpected joy to Madame de Rênal, who realizes she may be in love with him. The family moves to Vergy for the spring, where Madame de Rênal and Julien spend their d
- [Chapter IX. An Evening In The Country](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-ix-an-evening-in-the-country.md): Julien, determined to assert his will and prove his courage, resolves to take Madame de Rênal's hand at ten o'clock that evening. Despite his internal turmoil and the presence of Madame Derville, he succeeds in seizing a
- [Chapter X. A Great Heart And A Small Fortune](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-x-a-great-heart-and-a-small-fortune.md): Julien Sorel, after a heated confrontation with M. de Rênal, secures a raise to fifty francs a month. He retreats to the forest to reflect on his victory and his ambitions, feeling a sense of triumph and isolation.
- [Chapter XI. An Evening](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xi-an-evening.md): In this chapter, Julien returns to Vergy and, driven by his ambition and resentment toward M. de Rênal, attempts to take Madame de Rênal's hand in the garden. Despite her initial hesitation, she eventually yields, and Ju
- [A Journey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xii-a-journey.md): Julien obtains a three-day leave from M. de Rênal and departs for the mountains, despite his conflicting feelings for Madame de Rênal. He spends a night in a grotto, dreaming of Paris and glory, then visits his friend Fo
- [Chapter XIII. The Open Work Stockings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xiii-the-open-work-stockings.md): Julien returns from his visit to Fouqué, and his perspective has shifted. He becomes aware of Madame de Rênal's deep feelings for him, but his own pride and ambition complicate his response. He decides to pursue her as a
- [Chapter XIV. The English Scissors](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xiv-the-english-scissors.md): Julien Sorel, unsettled by Fouqué's offer, devises a calculated plan to seduce Madame de Rênal, but his clumsy attempts backfire. He tries to kiss her, then kicks her foot under the table, causing her to drop her scissor
- [Chapter XV. The Cock’S Song](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xv-the-cock-s-song.md): Julien, having returned from Verrières, is sulky and decides to make a bold, risky proposition to Madame de Rênal: he will come to her room at two in the morning. She responds with real indignation, and Julien, feeling h
- [The Day After](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xvi-the-day-after.md): The morning after the affair begins, Julien and Madame de Rênal are both anxious about the change in their relationship. Julien, feeling a sense of duty rather than love, is determined to maintain his role. Madame de Rên
- [Chapter XVII. The First Deputy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xvii-the-first-deputy.md): Julien Sorel, now more aware of the social and political intrigues of Verrières, learns from Madame de Rênal about the local schemes to make M. de Moirod the first deputy. Their relationship deepens as she educates him a
- [Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xviii-a-king-at-verri-res.md): The chapter describes the elaborate preparations for the King of ——'s visit to Verrières, including the organization of a guard of honour and a religious ceremony at Bray-le-Haut. Julien is appointed as a sub-deacon to a
- [Chapter XIX. Thinking Produces Suffering](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xix-thinking-produces-suffering.md): Julien and Madame de Rênal's affair deepens, but her guilt intensifies when her son Stanislas falls ill. She believes the illness is divine punishment for her adultery, and her remorse becomes overwhelming. Julien tries 
- [Chapter XX. Anonymous Letters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xx-anonymous-letters.md): Julien warns Madame de Rênal that her husband suspects them and advises against meeting that night. Despite this, she comes to his door, but he does not open it. The next morning, she sends him a frantic letter via the c
- [Chapter XXI. Dialogue With A Master](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxi-dialogue-with-a-master.md): In this chapter, Madame de Rênal devises a clever scheme to protect Julien from her husband's rage after an anonymous letter threatens their affair. She presents a second letter to M. de Rênal, claiming it was given to h
- [Chapter XXII. Manners Of Procedure In 1830](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxii-manners-of-procedure-in-1830.md): Julien returns to Verrières and works to repair his reputation, building a bookcase for the displaced Curé Chélan and deftly handling a visit from the sub-prefect who tries to lure him away with a better salary. He also 
- [Sorrows Of An Official](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxiii-sorrows-of-an-official.md): M. de Rênal receives an anonymous letter, which drives him to consider a duel with M. Valenod. His wife, Madame de Rênal, fearing widowhood, manipulates him into offering Julien money to leave for the seminary. Julien re
- [A Capital](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxiv-a-capital.md): Julien Sorel arrives in Besançon, a city he finds both impressive and intimidating. He explores the citadel and then enters a grand café, where he is drawn to the barmaid, Amanda Binet. Their flirtation is interrupted by
- [Chapter XXV. The Seminary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxv-the-seminary.md): Julien Sorel arrives at the seminary in Besançon, overwhelmed by fear and the oppressive atmosphere. He meets the director, Abbé Pirard, who questions him sternly, reads a letter of recommendation from Curé Chélan, and a
- [Chapter XXVI. The World, Or What The Rich Lack](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxvi-the-world-or-what-the-rich-lack.md): Julien Sorel, now at the seminary, observes his fellow seminarians with a mixture of contempt and pity. He realizes that their piety is often a means to secure material comforts, and he struggles to adopt the outward sig
- [Chapter XXVII. First Experience Of Life](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxvii-first-experience-of-life.md): Julien Sorel's first experiences in the seminary are marked by profound disgust and discouragement. He struggles with the hypocrisy and corruption of his fellow seminarians, who are obsessed with material gain and politi
- [Chapter XXVIII. A Procession](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxviii-a-procession.md): Julien is assigned by Abbé Pirard to assist Abbé Chas-Bernard in decorating the cathedral for the Fête Dieu. Despite his attempts to appear humble, Julien remains an outsider among the seminary professors. During the pro
- [Chapter XXIX. The First Promotion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxix-the-first-promotion.md): Julien Sorel is promoted to tutor of the New and Old Testament by the abbé Pirard, who is leaving the seminary. This promotion brings Julien privileges and a reduction in hostility from his peers. The abbé Pirard departs
- [Chapter XXX. An Ambitious Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxx-an-ambitious-man.md): Julien Sorel returns secretly to Verrières and reunites with Madame de Rênal. Their passionate reunion is fraught with danger as they must hide from her husband and the servants. Julien, driven by ambition and pride, man
- [Chapter XXXI. The Pleasures Of The Country](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxi-the-pleasures-of-the-country.md): Julien leaves Verrières for Paris, accompanied by Abbé Pirard, who gives him advice about the de la Mole household. On the journey, he meets a traveler, M. de Saint Giraud, who complains about provincial life and politic
- [Chapter XXXII. Entry Into Society](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxii-entry-into-society.md): Julien Sorel enters Parisian high society as the Marquis de la Mole's secretary. He attends a formal dinner where he impresses guests with his knowledge of Latin and Horace, despite his provincial manners. The Marquis pr
- [The First Steps](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiii-the-first-steps.md): Julien begins his new life in Paris as secretary to the Marquis de la Mole. He has an awkward encounter with Mathilde, who is annoyed to find him in the library. Count Norbert takes him riding, and Julien falls off his h
- [Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiv-the-h-tel-de-la-mole.md): Julien Sorel, now secretary to the Marquis de la Mole, finds himself in the aristocratic salon of the Hôtel de la Mole, where he is both an outsider and an object of curiosity. He observes the stifling etiquette and bore
- [Chapter XXXV. Sensibility And A Great Pious Lady](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxv-sensibility-and-a-great-pious-lady.md): Julien, now established in Paris as the Marquis de la Mole's secretary, manages the marquis's estates and correspondence, including the lawsuit with Abbé de Frilair. He becomes involved with Jansenist circles through Abb
- [Chapter XXXVI. Pronunciation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvi-pronunciation.md): Julien Sorel, now in Paris, becomes embroiled in a duel with the Chevalier de Beauvoisis after a misunderstanding in a café. The duel is brief, and Julien is wounded in the arm. The Chevalier, fearing ridicule for fighti
- [Chapter XXXVII. An Attack Of Gout](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvii-an-attack-of-gout.md): The Marquis de la Mole, confined by gout, develops a closer relationship with Julien, who becomes his trusted secretary. The marquis is amused by Julien's originality and gradually comes to respect his intelligence and s
- [Chapter XXXVIII. What Is The Decoration Which Confers Distinction?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxviii-what-is-the-decoration-which-confers-distinction.md): Julien Sorel, now a dandy in Paris, returns to the Hôtel de la Mole after a visit to Villequier. He maintains a cold demeanor toward Mathilde, who becomes intrigued by his change. At a grand ball at the Hôtel de Retz, Ju
- [Chapter XXXIX. The Ball](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxix-the-ball.md): Julien attends a ball at the Hôtel de la Mole, where he engages in a deep conversation with Comte Altamira about revolution, morality, and the nature of power. His intense thoughts and passionate responses intrigue and u
- [Chapter XL. Queen Marguerite](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xl-queen-marguerite.md): Julien Sorel becomes increasingly intrigued by Mathilde de la Mole, who shares with him her admiration for the heroic era of the League and the story of Boniface de la Mole. Their conversations grow more intimate, and Ju
- [Chapter XLI. A Young Girl’s Dominion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xli-a-young-girl-s-dominion.md): Julien observes Mathilde's social dominance, which she exercises through sharp wit and calculated epigrams. Mathilde, bored with her aristocratic suitors, begins to see Julien as an intriguing figure, admiring his pride 
- [Chapter XLII. Is He A Danton?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlii-is-he-a-danton.md): Mathilde de la Mole, reflecting on her growing fascination with Julien Sorel, compares their potential love to the historical passion of Marguerite de Valois for Boniface de la Mole. She defends Julien against the mocker
- [Chapter XLIII. A Plot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliii-a-plot.md): Julien Sorel, now in Paris, becomes increasingly suspicious of Mathilde de la Mole's attentions, believing she and her aristocratic circle are mocking him. He observes her behavior, her reading of Voltaire, and her disda
- [Chapter XLIV. A Young Girl’s Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliv-a-young-girl-s-thoughts.md): Mathilde de la Mole, tormented by her growing passion for Julien, struggles against her aristocratic pride and societal expectations. She reflects on the lack of true heroism in her contemporary noble suitors, contrastin
- [Chapter XLV. Is It A Plot?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlv-is-it-a-plot.md): Julien Sorel is tormented by the possibility that Mathilde de la Mole's invitation to climb the ladder to her room is a trap. He weighs the risks to his honor and reputation, considering the potential for disgrace or dea
- [Chapter XLVI. One O’Clock In The Morning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlvi-one-o-clock-in-the-morning.md): Julien climbs the ladder to Mathilde's window at one in the morning, fulfilling their assignation. Their encounter is marked by Mathilde's coldness and sense of duty rather than passion, while Julien feels triumphant amb
- [Chapter XLVII. An Old Sword](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlvii-an-old-sword.md): After their night of passion, Mathilde de la Mole becomes cold and distant, refusing to acknowledge Julien. Julien, confused and anxious, confronts her, leading to a bitter exchange where they agree to part. Julien, real
- [Chapter XLVIII. Cruel Moments](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlviii-cruel-moments.md): After Mathilde's near-death experience, she feels a renewed passion for Julien, admiring his boldness. She confides in him about her past flirtations with other suitors, torturing him with detailed confessions. Julien, o
- [Chapter XLIX. The Opera Bouffe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlix-the-opera-bouffe.md): Mathilde, consumed by love and remorse, reflects on her passion for Julien, seeing him as a man of merit destined for greatness. She draws his portrait unconsciously, and at the opera, a love-maxim intensifies her devoti
- [Chapter L. The Japanese Vase](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-l-the-japanese-vase.md): Julien Sorel, now a secretary in the Marquis de la Mole's household, is devastated by Mathilde's rejection. After a public humiliation in the salon, Mathilde formally breaks with him in the library, declaring she no long
- [Chapter LI. The Secret Note](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-li-the-secret-note.md): The Marquis de la Mole entrusts Julien with a secret mission, testing his memory and discretion. Julien is to memorize a document, travel to London, and deliver it to a high-ranking official. The chapter details the prep
- [Chapter LII. The Discussion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lii-the-discussion.md): Julien is brought to a secret meeting of aristocrats and royalists, where he is presented as a young acolyte with a remarkable memory. The discussion revolves around political strategy, the weakness of England, the threa
- [Chapter LIII. The Clergy, The Forests, Liberty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liii-the-clergy-the-forests-liberty.md): Julien is taken by the Marquis de la Mole to a secret meeting of high-ranking clergy and nobles, where they discuss forming an armed party in France with the clergy's support. The meeting is intense, with debates about t
- [Chapter LIV. Strasbourg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liv-strasbourg.md): Julien Sorel, overwhelmed by his obsession with Mathilde de la Mole, spends eight days in Strasbourg in despair. He meets Prince Korasoff, who offers cynical advice on love and provides Julien with a collection of love l
- [Chapter LV. The Ministry Of Virtue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lv-the-ministry-of-virtue.md): Julien returns to Paris and, following Prince Korasoff's advice, feigns indifference to Mathilde by courting Madame de Fervaques. He consults Count Altamira and Don Diego Bustos about the maréchale's character, learning 
- [Chapter LVI. Moral Love](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lvi-moral-love.md): Julien, following Prince Korasoff's instructions, begins a campaign of writing love letters to Madame de Fervaques to make Mathilde jealous. He copies the first letter, delivers it with the prescribed melancholy air, and
- [Chapter LVII. The Finest Places In The Church](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lvii-the-finest-places-in-the-church.md): Julien Sorel, now deeply unhappy and obsessed with Mathilde de la Mole, continues his tedious task of copying letters for Madame de Fervaques. He finds the letters absurd and meaningless, yet he persists, hoping to impre
- [Chapter LVIII. Manon Lescaut](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lviii-manon-lescaut.md): Julien continues his calculated courtship of Madame de Fervaques, following the Russian plan, while his inner turmoil over Mathilde intensifies. He struggles with the strain of playing a role, and his despair grows as Ma
- [Chapter LIX. Ennui](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lix-ennui.md): Madame de Fervaques, initially indifferent to Julien's letters, becomes intrigued by him, though her vanity and social pretensions conflict with her growing interest. She begins to correspond with him regularly, while Ju
- [Chapter LX. A Box At The Bouffes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lx-a-box-at-the-bouffes.md): In this chapter, Julien Sorel, now a secretary to the Marquis de la Mole, is entangled in a complex romantic and psychological struggle with Mathilde de la Mole. Following the Russian tactics suggested by Prince Korasoff
- [Chapter LXI. Frighten Her](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxi-frighten-her.md): Julien, now in a state of intense emotional turmoil, enters Madame de la Mole's box and finds Mathilde in tears, asking for 'guarantees.' He suppresses his own feelings to maintain control, and later, back at the hôtel, 
- [Chapter LXII. The Tiger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxii-the-tiger.md): Julien and Mathilde's affair deepens as Mathilde becomes openly devoted and haughty towards others. She reveals her pregnancy and insists on confessing to her father, the Marquis de la Mole. Julien, torn between duty and
- [Chapter LXIII. The Hell Of Weakness](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxiii-the-hell-of-weakness.md): The Marquis de la Mole, enraged by his daughter Mathilde's pregnancy and her intention to marry Julien Sorel, confronts Julien with insults and threats. Julien, maintaining his composure and gratitude, offers a suicide n
- [Chapter LXIV. A Man Of Intellect](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxiv-a-man-of-intellect.md): The Marquis de la Mole, torn between his daughter's insistence and his own doubts about Julien, attempts to resolve the situation by granting Julien a commission as a lieutenant of Hussars and a substantial income, while
- [A Storm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxv-a-storm.md): Julien, now a lieutenant and known as M. de la Vernaye, is consumed by ambition after receiving money and recognition from the Marquis de la Mole. He is suddenly summoned by Mathilde, who reveals that her father has disc
- [Chapter LXVI. Sad Details](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxvi-sad-details.md): Julien, imprisoned after shooting Madame de Rênal, learns she survived. He experiences profound remorse and religious awakening, repenting his crime. He is transferred to Besançon prison, where he calmly accepts his fate
- [A Turret](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxvii-a-turret.md): Julien Sorel, imprisoned and awaiting trial, receives a visit from the aged Curé Chélan, whose decrepitude and sorrow deeply disturb him. Fouqué, his loyal friend, arrives with a plan to bribe the gaoler for an escape, b
- [Chapter LXVIII. A Powerful Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxviii-a-powerful-man.md): Mathilde de la Mole, disguised as Madame Michelet, visits Julien in his prison turret. She professes her love and admiration for his act, which she sees as noble vengeance. Julien, though touched, is pragmatic, discussin
- [The Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxix-the-intrigue.md): In prison, Julien Sorel reflects on his fading ambition and his overwhelming remorse for shooting Madame de Rênal, realizing he loves her to the point of distraction. Mathilde de la Mole, consumed by a heroic and theatri
- [Chapter LXX. Tranquility](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxx-tranquility.md): Julien Sorel, awaiting trial for the attempted murder of Madame de Rênal, finds a strange tranquility in his final days. He reflects on his past passions, particularly his love for Mathilde, which now leaves him cold. He
- [Chapter LXXI. The Trial](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxi-the-trial.md): The trial of Julien Sorel takes place in Besançon, drawing a large and emotional crowd. Julien, initially resolved to remain silent, is moved by the public's sympathy and the presence of Madame Derville. He delivers a pa
- [CHAPTER LXXII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxii-1.md): Julien, now in the condemned cell, reflects on his impending execution and his love for Madame de Rênal. Mathilde visits him, but her emotional outbursts and reproaches fail to move him. He resolves not to appeal his sen
- [CHAPTER LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxiii.md): Julien, in prison, is tormented by an intrusive priest seeking to confess him and create a scandal. He is visited by Madame de Rênal, who begs him to appeal his death sentence. Their emotional reunion reveals her deep lo
- [CHAPTER LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxiv.md): In his cell, Julien is visited by his father, who reproaches him and is primarily concerned with his money. Julien, feeling weak and ashamed, gives his father most of his savings. He then drinks with two convicts, whose 
- [CHAPTER LXXV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxv.md): In the final chapter, Julien Sorel awaits his execution in prison. Madame de Rênal returns to him, and they rekindle their passionate love, seeing each other twice a day. Mathilde, consumed by jealousy, makes daily scene

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