# Chapter LXII. The Tiger explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien and Mathilde's affair deepens as Mathilde becomes openly devoted and haughty towards others. She reveals her pregnancy and insists on confessing to her father, the Marquis de la Mole. Julien, torn between duty and love, persuades her to delay the confession. When the marquis reads Mathilde's letter, he is furious and summons Julien.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as Power Struggle

Julien and Mathilde's relationship is a constant battle for dominance, with Julien using coldness to maintain control and Mathilde's pride driving her actions.

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

Mathilde's letter highlights the social chasm between Julien's humble origins and the aristocratic world, and her defiance of class expectations.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien grapples with his role as a lover and his gratitude to the marquis, questioning his own motives and the authenticity of his actions.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Struggles to maintain his cold demeanor towards Mathilde, but is deeply moved by her devotion and pregnancy. He fears separation from her and the marquis's wrath.

### Mathilde de la Mole

Falls deeply in love for the first time, becomes haughty with others, and joyfully announces her pregnancy. She insists on confessing to her father, showing her pride and sense of honor.

### Marquis de la Mole

Receives Mathilde's letter confessing her relationship with Julien and her pregnancy. He is enraged and summons Julien.

### Tanbeau

The 'little monster' who tries to intrude on Julien and Mathilde's private conversation, but is dismissed by Mathilde.

### M. de Croisenois

Mentioned as one of the suitors Mathilde previously considered, but now treats with polite but provocative disdain.

## Key lines

> Julien only abandoned himself to the fulness of his happiness in those moments when Mathilde could not read the expression in his eyes.

Julien allowed himself to feel happy only when Mathilde wasn't looking at him.

_Julien's guardedness in expressing his true feelings._

> Mathilde loved for the first time in her life. Life had previously always dragged along at a tortoise pace, but now it flew.

Mathilde experienced love for the first time, and her life, once slow, now felt rapid and exciting.

_The transformative effect of love on Mathilde._

> I am your wife for ever.

I am your wife permanently.

_Mathilde declares her commitment to Julien upon revealing her pregnancy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxii-the-tiger
- 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