The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter LXVI. Sad Details explained
Julien, imprisoned after shooting Madame de Rênal, learns she survived.
What happens
Julien, imprisoned after shooting Madame de Rênal, learns she survived. He experiences profound remorse and religious awakening, repenting his crime. He is transferred to Besançon prison, where he calmly accepts his fate, believing he deserves death. He writes to Mathilde, and reflects on his past happiness with Madame de Rênal, while contemplating suicide but ultimately deciding to live until his execution.
Themes in this chapter
Religion as Institution
Julien's sudden faith and repentance contrast with his earlier hypocrisy; he questions the power of priests but acknowledges the sublimity of God.
Fate and Free Will
Julien accepts his condemnation as inevitable, reflecting on his actions and the role of destiny in his downfall.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Imprisoned and awaiting trial, he learns Madame de Rênal survived, leading to repentance and a calm acceptance of his impending death.
- Madame de Rênal
Survives the shooting but is profoundly grieved, desiring death; she secretly sends money to the gaoler to ensure Julien's humane treatment.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Julien writes to her about his revenge and impending death, though he rarely thinks of her now.
- Elisa
Madame de Rênal's maid, sent to deliver money to the gaoler on her mistress's behalf.
- M. Maslon
The curé of Verrières, who sends wine to Julien in prison, though Julien despises him.
Key passages
“Great God, she is not dead,” and he fell on his knees, shedding hot tears. In this supreme moment he was a believer.”
Julien, overwhelmed with relief that Madame de Rênal is alive, kneels and prays, experiencing a genuine religious conversion.
This marks a turning point in Julien's spiritual state, moving from hypocrisy to sincere faith.
“I meant to kill. I deserve to be killed.”
Julien acknowledges his guilt and accepts that he deserves the death penalty for his attempted murder.
His calm acceptance of his fate contrasts with his earlier ambition and scheming.