# Chapter XL. Queen Marguerite explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien Sorel becomes increasingly intrigued by Mathilde de la Mole, who shares with him her admiration for the heroic era of the League and the story of Boniface de la Mole. Their conversations grow more intimate, and Julien begins to suspect that Mathilde may have feelings for him, though he struggles with his own pride and social inferiority. He also learns from the academician about Mathilde's mourning dress, which is connected to the anniversary of Boniface de la Mole's execution.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

Julien's awareness of his inferior social position and the condescending attitude of the aristocracy, as exemplified by the Duke de Chaulnes calling him a 'servant of her household'.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien struggles with his role as a 'rebel plebian' and his desire to be genuine, as seen in his confession of his poverty to Mathilde.

### Love as Power Struggle

Julien's internal debate about whether Mathilde's attention is genuine or a form of coquetry, and his determination to 'have her' as a conquest.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Engages in long conversations with Mathilde, confesses his thoughts about poverty, and becomes preoccupied with the idea that she might love him.

### Mathilde de la Mole

Shares her enthusiasm for the heroic age of the League, walks with Julien in the garden, and shows him unusual attention and sweetness.

### Comte Norbert

Mentioned as Mathilde's brother; his presence seems to withdraw when Mathilde fixes her eyes on Julien.

### Marquis de la Mole

Referenced as the father who pays Julien's salary and whose daughter's behavior is noted.

### Duke de Chaulnes

Quoted as referring to Julien as a 'servant of her household'.

### Madame de Rênal

Recalled by Julien as a contrast to Mathilde, with her naturalness and naivety.

## Key lines

> He now began to cease taking for coldness of heart that kind of beauty which attaches importance to a noble bearing.

Julien started to see that Mathilde's beauty was not just coldness but something more.

_Julien's changing perception of Mathilde._

> I want to leave off this rôle of the passive confidanté.

Julien wants to stop being just a listener and become more active in conversations.

_Julien's desire to assert himself._

> What woman alive now would not be horrified at touching the head of her decapitated lover?

Julien wonders if any modern woman would be as devoted as the women of the League era.

_Julien's admiration for the past._

> I am not worthy to discuss these great matters. My life is nothing more than a series of hypocrisies because I have not got a thousand francs a year with which to buy my bread and butter.

Julien feels unworthy and sees his life as a series of lies due to his poverty.

_Julien's self-deprecation and class consciousness._

> She leaned on my arm in a very singular way.

Mathilde's touch seemed unusual and suggestive to Julien.

_Julien's interpretation of Mathilde's gesture._

> I will have her, I will then go away, and woe to him who disturbs me in my flight.

Julien resolves to win Mathilde and then leave, threatening anyone who interferes.

_Julien's ambitious and possessive thoughts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xl-queen-marguerite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters