# Chapter LV. The Ministry Of Virtue explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

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 of her prudish and vindictive nature. At dinner, Mathilde blushes upon seeing him, but Julien maintains his detached demeanor. The chapter explores the political intrigues of the Marquis de la Mole and Julien's internal turmoil as he struggles with his love for Mathilde while adhering to his calculated strategy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Social Mobility

Julien's calculated courtship of Madame de Fervaques is a performance to advance his social standing, while the marquis's political scheming highlights the hypocrisy of the aristocracy.

### Love as Power Struggle

Julien's feigned indifference to Mathilde is a strategic power play, and his interactions with Madame de Fervaques are part of a manipulative game to regain control.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Returns to Paris and follows Korasoff's advice to court Madame de Fervaques, feigning indifference to Mathilde. He is emotionally strained and struggles to maintain his composure.

### Mathilde de la Mole

Blushes upon seeing Julien at dinner, showing her continued interest despite his apparent coldness.

### Marquis de la Mole

Displeased with despatches, but later praises Julien at dinner and is involved in political plans for a ministry position.

### Madame de Fervaques

The object of Julien's feigned courtship; described as virtuous but Jesuitical, vindictive, and possibly unhappy.

### Comte Altamira

Advises Julien on Madame de Fervaques and introduces him to Don Diego Bustos for further insight.

### Marquise de la Mole

Compliments Julien on his tired appearance and sings his praises, influenced by her husband's opinions.

## Key lines

> But if I take this pleasure with so much prudence and circumspection I shall no longer find it a pleasure.— Lope de Vega .

If I approach this pleasure with excessive caution and calculation, it will lose its appeal.

_Epigraph hinting at the tension between prudence and genuine feeling in Julien's romantic schemes._

> Her virtue is the purest and the highest, only it is a little Jesuitical and dogmatic.

Her virtue is extremely pure and lofty, but it is somewhat hypocritical and rigid.

_Altamira's assessment of Madame de Fervaques, highlighting her religious and moral severity._

> I must make an end of this foolish sensitiveness, it will betray me.

I must stop this foolish emotional weakness, as it will expose my true feelings.

_Julien's internal struggle to maintain his composed facade._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lv-the-ministry-of-virtue
- 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