The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter VII. The Elective Affinities explained
Julien Sorel, now tutor to the de Rênal children, remains emotionally detached and resentful of the provincial society that employs him.
What happens
Julien Sorel, now tutor to the de Rênal children, remains emotionally detached and resentful of the provincial society that employs him. Madame de Rênal, increasingly sympathetic to his poverty and proud nature, attempts to offer him a gift of money, which he proudly refuses. Her subsequent efforts to make amends, including buying books she knows he desires, deepen her emotional entanglement. Meanwhile, Julien's brothers attack him out of jealousy, and M. Valenod's hostility grows. The chapter explores the slow, natural development of feelings in the provinces, contrasting with the more theatrical love of Paris.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
M. de Rênal's dismissal of Julien as a 'servant' and the general condescension of the provincial nobility underscore the rigid class barriers that Julien resents.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's proud refusal of charity and his internal conflict between his ambitions and his genuine feelings highlight his struggle to maintain his authentic self in a society that demeans him.
Provincial vs. Parisian Society
The narrator contrasts the slow, natural development of feelings in the provinces with the theatrical, novel-driven love of Paris, emphasizing the unique dynamics of provincial life.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Serves as tutor, feeling hate and abhorrence for the society he's entered. He refuses Madame de Rênal's offer of money, proud and sensitive to any slight. He is beaten by his brothers, and his thoughts are elsewhere, not loving the children he teaches.
- Madame de Rênal
Grows increasingly sympathetic to Julien's poverty and proud nature. She attempts to give him a gift, is rebuffed, and then tries to make amends by buying books for her sons that she knows Julien wants. Her emotions become more deeply involved, and she feels humiliated by her husband's crude views.
- M. de Rênal
The Mayor, who views Julien as a servant and is piqued by his refusal of a gift. He decides to give Julien a hundred francs, showing his coarse and insensitive nature.
- M. Valenod
The director of the poorhouse, who is jealous of Julien and publicly criticizes his foppish appearance. He is also seen as corrupt, profiting from the poor fund.
- Elisa
The housemaid who falls in love with Julien and talks about him to her mistress. She is useful to Julien for washing his linen, and her attention earns him the hatred of a male servant.
Key passages
“They only manage to touch the heart by wounding it.”
The epigraph suggests that emotional connection is often achieved through causing pain.
This sets the tone for the chapter's exploration of the developing relationship between Julien and Madame de Rênal.
“I should be lower than a menial if I were to put myself in the position of concealing from M de. Rênal anything at all having to do with my money.”
Julien declares that he would be degrading himself if he hid any financial matters from M. de Rênal.
Julien's pride and sense of honor are central to his character, and this refusal marks a turning point in his relationship with Madame de Rênal.
“What praise of honesty,” he exclaimed. “One would say that was the only virtue, and yet think how they respect and grovel before a man who has almost doubled and trebled his fortune since he has administered the poor fund.”
Julien sarcastically remarks on the hypocrisy of society, which praises honesty while honoring a corrupt official like M. Valenod.
This outburst reveals Julien's deep resentment of the social order and his perception of its moral corruption.
