# Chapter LXXI. The Trial explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

The trial of Julien Sorel takes place in Besançon, drawing a large and emotional crowd. Julien, initially resolved to remain silent, is moved by the public's sympathy and the presence of Madame Derville. He delivers a passionate speech denouncing the class prejudice of the jury, admitting his crime but framing it as a rebellion against his lowly birth. The jury retires at one o'clock, and the chapter ends with the tense wait for the verdict.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

Julien's speech explicitly attacks the jury as 'indignant bourgeois' and highlights the class bias in his trial.

### Ambition and Its Cost

Julien's rise from peasant to gentleman ends in his trial, illustrating the fatal consequences of his ambition.

### Hypocrisy and Social Mobility

The trial exposes the hypocrisy of a society that condemns a man for daring to rise above his station.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

The accused, calm and philosophical, delivers a defiant speech to the jury.

### Madame de Rênal

Mentioned as the victim of Julien's crime, and the object of his remorse and respect.

### Mathilde de la Mole

Works behind the scenes to secure Julien's acquittal, using her influence and a bishop's letter.

### M. Valenod

A juror, whose insolent look hardens Julien's resolve; he is a symbol of the class Julien despises.

### Madame Derville

Present in the courtroom, she faints during Julien's speech, showing her emotional reaction.

### Fouqué

Julien's friend, present in the town for the trial, affected by the general agitation.

### Abbé de Frilair

Promises Mathilde to influence the jury, revealing his political machinations.

## Key lines

> Gentlemen, I have not the honour of belonging to your class. You behold in me a peasant who has rebelled against the meanness of his fortune.

Julien tells the jury that he is a peasant who dared to fight against his lowly birth.

_Julien's central accusation of class prejudice._

> I do not ask you for any pardon... Death awaits me; it will be just.

Julien declares he expects no mercy and accepts death as a just punishment.

_Julien's defiant acceptance of his fate._

## Links

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