The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter III. The Poor Fund explained
The chapter opens with the curé Chélan, an old and respected priest, accompanying M.
What happens
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 of the workhouse, Chélan defends his actions, asserting his right to visit these institutions. The mayor, M. de Rênal, and his wife discuss the incident, with M. de Rênal expressing his displeasure. The conversation shifts when M. de Rênal decides to hire Julien Sorel, the son of a sawyer, as a tutor for his children, partly to outshine M. Valenod, who lacks a tutor. Madame de Rênal, though initially pensive, seems to accept the plan.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Mobility
M. de Rênal's decision to hire a tutor is driven by social pretension and rivalry with M. Valenod, reflecting the hypocrisy of provincial social climbing.
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
The mayor's initial reluctance to hire a carpenter's son as a tutor reveals deep-seated class prejudices, despite the practical benefits.
Religion as Institution
The curé's role and his confrontation with the mayor illustrate the institutional power and moral authority of the Church in local affairs.
Characters to notice
- Curé Chélan
The elderly curé of Verrières, who bravely accompanies M. Appert on visits to the prison and workhouse, despite potential repercussions.
- M. de Rênal
The Mayor of Verrières, who is displeased with the curé's actions and decides to hire Julien Sorel as a tutor for his children.
- Madame de Rênal
The mayor's wife, who is initially pensive about the decision to hire a tutor but shows a gentle and naive character.
- M. Valenod
The rich director of the workhouse, who joins M. de Rênal in reproaching the curé and is noted for his coarse and boisterous nature.
- M. Appert
A Parisian visitor who inspects the prison and workhouse, causing controversy in the town.
Key passages
“A virtuous curé who does not intrigue is a providence for the village.— Fleury”
A good priest who avoids scheming is a blessing to his community.
The epigraph sets the tone for the chapter, highlighting the curé's integrity.
“I am old and beloved here, they would not dare!”
I am old and well-liked here, so they wouldn't dare to harm me.
Curé Chélan reflects on his security in the town.
“What harm can this Paris gentleman do the prisoners?”
What harm could this man from Paris do to the prisoners?
Madame de Rênal repeats the curé's argument, questioning the mayor's outrage.
“I really mean to take Sorel, the son of the sawyer, into the house.”
I intend to hire Sorel, the sawyer's son, to work in our home.
M. de Rênal announces his decision to hire Julien as a tutor.