The Red and the Black · Chapter
CHAPTER LXXV explained
In the final chapter, Julien Sorel awaits his execution in prison.
What happens
In the final chapter, Julien Sorel awaits his execution in prison. Madame de Rênal returns to him, and they rekindle their passionate love, seeing each other twice a day. Mathilde, consumed by jealousy, makes daily scenes. Julien learns of the death of M. de Croisenois in a duel with M. de Thaler, which changes his thoughts about Mathilde's future. He advises her to marry M. de Luz. Madame de Rênal plans to go to the king to plead for Julien's life, but he forbids it, threatening suicide. As his execution day arrives, Julien feels courageous and reflects on his past. He arranges for Fouqué to take Mathilde and Madame de Rênal away. After his death, Mathilde comes to see his body, and Fouqué shows her the remains wrapped in a blue cloak.
Themes in this chapter
Love as Power Struggle
The chapter depicts the intense rivalry between Mathilde and Madame de Rênal for Julien's affection, with jealousy and manipulation driving their actions.
Ambition and Its Cost
Julien reflects on how his former ambition prevented him from appreciating happiness, and now faces the ultimate cost of his actions.
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
The death of M. de Croisenois and the discussions about Mathilde's future marriage highlight the importance of social standing and noble lineage.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Awaiting execution, he lives on love with Madame de Rênal, reflects on his past ambition, and makes final arrangements for his death.
- Madame de Rênal
Returns to Julien in prison, visits him twice a day, and plans to plead for his life with the king, but is forbidden by Julien.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Consumed by jealousy over Madame de Rênal's visits, she makes daily scenes and learns of the death of M. de Croisenois.
- Fouqué
Julien's loyal friend, he helps with final arrangements, including taking Mathilde and Madame de Rênal away and securing Julien's burial place.
- Abbé de Frilair
Uses his influence to allow Madame de Rênal to see Julien twice a day, and tries to convince Mathilde that Julien is unworthy.
- M. de Croisenois
Dies in a duel with M. de Thaler after defending Mathilde's honor, an event that affects Julien deeply.
Key passages
“He has a more sinister and persevering ambition than poor Croisenois, and as there has never been a dukedom in his family, he will be only too glad to marry Julien Sorel’s widow.”
Julien suggests that M. de Luz, being more ambitious and from a less prestigious family, would be eager to marry Mathilde even as the widow of a convict.
Julien's pragmatic advice to Mathilde about her future reflects his concern for her social standing.
“I will go to the king. I will confess freely that you are my lover. The life of a man, and of a man like Julien, too, ought to prevail over every consideration.”
Madame de Rênal is determined to publicly confess her relationship with Julien to the king to save his life, disregarding her own reputation.
Her willingness to sacrifice her honor shows the depth of her love and desperation.
“I should like to rest, for rest is the right word, in that little grotto in the great mountain which dominates Verrières.”
Julien expresses his final wish to be buried in the grotto overlooking Verrières, a place that once inspired his ambition.
This request reveals Julien's desire to return to his origins and find peace.