The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter LXIV. A Man Of Intellect explained
The Marquis de la Mole, torn between his daughter's insistence and his own doubts about Julien, attempts to resolve the situation by granting Julien a commission as a lieutenant of Hussars and a substantial income, while delaying the public
What happens
The Marquis de la Mole, torn between his daughter's insistence and his own doubts about Julien, attempts to resolve the situation by granting Julien a commission as a lieutenant of Hussars and a substantial income, while delaying the public recognition of the marriage. Mathilde, eager to secure her status, pushes for a public ceremony, but her father's firm response leaves her in a state of reverie. Julien, now a man of fortune, begins to dream of his son's future, while Mathilde's adoration for him grows into a near obsession with his perceived merit.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
The Marquis's internal conflict and his reluctance to publicly acknowledge Julien's marriage highlight the deep-seated class prejudices of the aristocracy.
Ambition and Its Cost
Julien's newfound fortune and commission fuel his ambition, while Mathilde's obsession with securing her status shows the lengths to which ambition can drive individuals.
Love as Power Struggle
The dynamic between Mathilde and Julien is framed as a struggle for control, with Mathilde's adoration and Julien's ambition shaping their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Marquis de la Mole
Struggles to reconcile his daughter's demands with his suspicions of Julien, ultimately granting him a commission and income while delaying the marriage.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Insists on a public marriage to secure her status, and her love for Julien intensifies into a near obsession with his merit.
- Julien Sorel
Receives a commission as lieutenant of Hussars and a fortune, which fuels his ambition and thoughts about his son's future.
- Abbé Pirard
Provides shelter for Julien and is the only one who knows the secret of the planned marriage.
Key passages
“Julien’s joy was unlimited when she informed him in the evening that he was a lieutenant of Hussars. Its extent can be imagined from the fact that this had constituted the ambition of his whole life, and also from the passion which he now had for his son.”
Julien was overjoyed to learn he had been made a lieutenant of Hussars, a lifelong ambition, and his happiness was deepened by his love for his son.
Highlights Julien's ambition and his newfound paternal feelings.
““I don’t want to know where the man is,” said the marquis to her one day. “Send him this letter.””
The marquis told Mathilde he didn't want to know Julien's whereabouts and asked her to send him a letter.
Shows the marquis's attempt to maintain control while distancing himself from the situation.