# Chapter LIV. Strasbourg explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

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 letters to court Madame de Fervaques as a strategy to regain Mathilde's interest. Julien reluctantly follows the prince's plan, deciding to pursue Madame de Fervaques despite his inner turmoil.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as Power Struggle

Julien's love for Mathilde is depicted as a tormenting obsession, and Korasoff's advice frames courtship as a strategic game of power and manipulation.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien's self-disgust and his adoption of Korasoff's artificial mannerisms highlight his struggle with authenticity and identity.

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

The discussion of Madame de Fervaques's merchant origins and the social dynamics of the nobility reflect class prejudices.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

In deep despair over Mathilde, seeking distraction and advice from Prince Korasoff.

### Prince Korasoff

Meets Julien in Strasbourg, offers cynical love advice and provides a set of love letters.

### Mathilde de la Mole

Julien's obsession; her rejection drives his despair and actions.

### Madame de Fervaques

The target of Julien's planned courtship as per Korasoff's advice.

### Madame de Dubois

Mentioned as the woman in whose presence Julien is to court the stocking-merchant's daughter.

## Key lines

> Julien was compelled to spend eight days in Strasbourg and tried to distract himself by thoughts of military glory and patriotic devotion.

Julien had to stay in Strasbourg for a week, attempting to occupy his mind with ideas of military honor and national pride.

_Shows Julien's attempt to escape his emotional turmoil._

> The prince summoned a copyist on the following day, and two days afterwards Julien was the possessor of fifty-three carefully numbered love-letters intended for the most sublime and the most melancholy virtue.

The prince hired a copyist, and within two days Julien had fifty-three numbered love letters designed for the most virtuous and melancholic women.

_Highlights the artificial and systematic approach to courtship._

> I will pay court to madame de Fervaques.

I will pursue Madame de Fervaques.

_Julien decides to follow Korasoff's strategy, targeting a new romantic interest to regain Mathilde's attention._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liv-strasbourg
- 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