Chapter V. A Negotiation explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Hypocrisy and Social Mobility

  Julien's decision to become a priest is a calculated move for social advancement, requiring him to adopt a hypocritical piety. His internal conflict between his true feelings and his public persona is central to this chapter.

• Ambition and Its Cost

  Julien's ambition to escape his peasant origins and make his fortune drives his actions. He is willing to endure hardship and adopt a false identity, but the cost is a constant inner turmoil and a sense of alienation.

• Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

  The negotiation between Old Sorel and M. de Rênal highlights the class distinctions and the social hierarchy of the time. Julien's position as a tutor is a step up, but he is still seen as a servant, and his refusal to eat with the servants underscores the class barriers.

• Self-Identity and Authenticity

  Julien's struggle to reconcile his true self with the role he must play is a key theme. He is torn between his admiration for Napoleon and his chosen path as a priest, and his hypocrisy is a means to an end.

Characters to notice

• Julien Sorel

  Julien is the central figure, a young man of eighteen with a fiery soul and a prodigious memory. He is determined to make his fortune and escape Verrières, even if it means adopting a hypocritical role as a priest. He is deeply influenced by Napoleon's example and Rousseau's Confessions.

• Old Sorel

  Julien's father, a cunning peasant who negotiates with M. de Rênal for Julien's position as tutor. He is suspicious of Julien's ambitions and treats him harshly, but is also practical about the financial benefits.

• M. de Rênal

  The mayor of Verrières, who hires Julien as tutor for his children. He is concerned with appearances and social standing, and his negotiation with Old Sorel is a key part of the chapter.

• Madame de Rênal

  The mayor's wife, who is anxious about the arrival of the tutor. She fears that the tutor will be coarse and harsh with her children, and she is particularly distressed about her youngest son's bed being moved.

• Curé Chélan

  The local curé who has been teaching Julien theology and lending him books. Julien has learned the New Testament in Latin to win his favor, and he is a key figure in Julien's path to the priesthood.

• Fouqué

  A young wood-merchant and friend of Julien, who helps him hide his books and Cross of the Legion of Honour. He is a trusted ally in Julien's plans.

Key passages

• “He considered that it would assist the rôle played by his hypocrisy to go and say a prayer in the church.”

  Julien thought that going to church to pray would help him maintain his hypocritical facade.

  This shows Julien's calculated use of religion for social advancement.

• “Making his fortune primarily meant to Julien getting out of Verrières: he abhorred his native country; everything that he saw there froze his imagination.”

  For Julien, making his fortune was synonymous with leaving Verrières, a place he despised and which stifled his dreams.

  This highlights Julien's deep dissatisfaction with his provincial origins and his desire for a larger life.

• ““I must be a priest.””

  Julien concluded that becoming a priest was the best path to success.

  This decision is a turning point in Julien's life, driven by his observation of the power and wealth of the clergy.

• ““I would rather die. I have fifteen francs and eight sous of savings. I will run away to-night; I will go across country by paths where there are no gendarmes to be feared, and in two days I shall be at Besançon.””

  Julien was willing to flee rather than eat with the servants, preferring death to such humiliation.

  This shows Julien's pride and his refusal to accept a lower social status, even at great personal risk.