The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter LVIII. Manon Lescaut explained
Julien continues his calculated courtship of Madame de Fervaques, following the Russian plan, while his inner turmoil over Mathilde intensifies.
What happens
Julien continues his calculated courtship of Madame de Fervaques, following the Russian plan, while his inner turmoil over Mathilde intensifies. He struggles with the strain of playing a role, and his despair grows as Mathilde seems to encourage de Croisenois. A conversation about the ballet 'Manon Lescaut' reveals the maréchale's disdain for Bonaparte, and Julien's accidental slip in a copied letter nearly exposes his scheme, but he manages to recover.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Mobility
Julien's entire courtship of Madame de Fervaques is a calculated performance, where he lies and copies letters to advance his social position.
Love as Power Struggle
Julien's relationship with Mathilde is a battle of wills, and his jealousy over de Croisenois drives him to despair.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's role-playing leads to a crisis of identity, as he questions his own worth and authenticity.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Executes the Russian plan with Madame de Fervaques, but suffers from despair and jealousy over Mathilde's impending marriage.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Struggles to control her thoughts about Julien, impressed by his falseness and Machiavellianism.
- Madame de Fervaques
Recipient of Julien's copied letters; she is struck by his novelty but offended by his anti-monarchical tinge.
- M. de Croisenois
Mathilde's intended; he calls twice a day at the Hôtel de la Mole, fueling Julien's jealousy.
- Tanbeau
Mentioned as a common rascal whose talk is contrasted with Julien's subtlety.
Key passages
“He did not say a single word to the maréchale which was not a lie, or at any rate, an abominable travesty of his own way of thinking, which Mathilde knew so perfectly in every phase.”
Julien's every word to Madame de Fervaques was a lie or a distortion of his true thoughts, and Mathilde was fully aware of this.
Highlights Julien's complete dishonesty in his calculated pursuit.
“The strain of playing a part ended by depriving his mind of all its strength.”
The effort of maintaining his false persona exhausted Julien mentally.
Shows the psychological toll of his hypocrisy.
““Ah,” he said to himself, “would it not be much wiser to take the marks out of my linen and to go into some solitary forest twenty leagues from Paris to put an end to this atrocious life?”
Julien contemplates suicide, thinking it wiser to disappear into a forest and end his miserable life.
Reveals his deep despair and suicidal thoughts.