The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter IV. A Father And A Son explained
Old Sorel discovers Julien reading instead of tending the saw, and violently punishes him.
What happens
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's background and character are revealed, including his hatred for his family and his love of books.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
M. de Rênal's offer to hire Julien as tutor is driven by class competition with Valenod, not genuine respect for Julien.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's love of reading and his intellectual aspirations clash with his father's expectations, highlighting his struggle to define himself.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Reading on the rafters, punished by his father; described as puny, passionate, and resentful.
- Old Sorel
Violently angry at Julien's reading; shrewdly negotiates with M. de Rênal.
- M. de Rênal
Offers Julien a tutor position, worried about Valenod's competition.
- M. Valenod
Mentioned as a potential rival for Julien's services.
Key passages
“Nothing was more anti-pathetic to old Sorel. He might possibly have forgiven Julien his puny physique, ill adapted as it was to manual labour, and different as it was from that of his elder brothers; but he hated this reading mania.”
Old Sorel despised Julien's physical weakness but hated his reading habit even more.
Highlights the conflict between Julien's intellectual nature and his father's practical values.
“It is clear, he said to himself, that since Sorel is not beside himself with delight over my proposal, as in the ordinary way he ought to be, he must have had offers made to him elsewhere, and whom could they have come from, if not from Valenod.”
M. de Rênal suspects that Sorel's lack of enthusiasm means Valenod has made a competing offer.
Shows the social rivalry between the mayor and Valenod.