# Chapter LIII. The Clergy, The Forests, Liberty explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

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 the role of the clergy, the need for war, and the removal of the current minister. Julien is tasked with delivering a secret note, but his journey is fraught with suspicion and potential interception. He encounters the singer Geronimo, who helps him uncover a plot to stop a courier, and they plan an escape.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion as Institution

The clergy is depicted as a powerful political force, with the cardinal arguing that the clergy alone can influence the masses and support an armed party.

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

The secret meeting is composed of aristocrats and high clergy who discuss manipulating the lower classes, revealing their disdain and fear of the plebeians.

### Ambition and Its Cost

Julien's involvement in the secret mission highlights his ambition, but also the dangers and moral compromises it entails.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Present at the secret meeting, tasked with delivering a secret note, and later attempts to escape from a suspicious postmaster.

### Marquis de la Mole

Organizes the secret meeting, expresses fatigue and shame, and sends Julien on a secret mission.

### Signor Geronimo

The celebrated singer who encounters Julien at the inn and helps him uncover the postmaster's plot.

### M. de Nerval

The prime minister who attends the meeting, defends his position, and leaves early.

### Abbé Pirard

Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but his influence on Julien's clerical path is implied.

## Key lines

> The first law of every being, is to preserve itself and live. You sow hemlock, and expect to see ears of corn ripen.— Machiavelli .

Every creature's primary instinct is self-preservation; you cannot expect to plant poison and harvest wholesome grain.

_This epigraph sets the tone for the chapter's themes of survival and political scheming._

> Fifty thousand priests repeat the same words on the day appointed by their chiefs, and the people—who after all provide soldiers—will be more touched by the voices of its priests than by all the versifying in the whole world.

The clergy's coordinated message, delivered by thousands of priests, will sway the common people more effectively than any literary or intellectual argument.

_The cardinal emphasizes the clergy's power over the masses, a key point in the political discussion._

> What does it matter to them if a state is overthrown, they will become cardinals and will take refuge in Rome.

The young zealots don't care about the consequences of revolution because they can escape to Rome and become cardinals.

_The marquis criticizes the recklessness of the younger clergy, highlighting their self-interest._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liii-the-clergy-the-forests-liberty
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters