# Chapter XLII. Is He A Danton? explained — The Red and the Black > Chapter companion for The Red and the Black by Stendhal. ## What happens Mathilde de la Mole, reflecting on her growing fascination with Julien Sorel, compares their potential love to the historical passion of Marguerite de Valois for Boniface de la Mole. She defends Julien against the mockery of the aristocratic young men, seeing in him a unique energy and independence that they lack. Her brother Norbert's jest that Julien might guillotine them in a revolution only intensifies her admiration, leading her to wonder if Julien could be a modern Danton. Meanwhile, Julien notices Mathilde's peculiar looks and the increased hostility from her circle, feeling baffled by her behavior. ## Themes in this chapter ### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice Mathilde's defense of Julien highlights the class prejudices of the aristocratic circle, who mock his poverty and priestly demeanor despite his merit. ### Self-Identity and Authenticity Mathilde's internal debate about her love for Julien reflects her struggle to define herself against the conventional expectations of her class. ### Ambition and Its Cost Julien's ambition and energy are both admired and feared by the nobles, who see in him a potential revolutionary threat. ## Character check-ins ### Mathilde de la Mole Engrossed in her decision to love Julien, she defends him against aristocratic mockery and compares their love to that of Marguerite de Valois and Boniface de la Mole. ### Julien Sorel Baffled by Mathilde's lingering looks and the increased hostility from the young nobles, he reflects on the difference between her gaze and that of Madame de Rênal. ### Comte Norbert Joins in mocking Julien's priestly demeanor and later warns that Julien's energy could lead to guillotining them in a revolution. ### M. de Croisenois One of the young nobles who criticizes Julien and is provoked by Mathilde's praise of him. ### M. de Caylus Leads the attack on Mathilde's high opinion of Julien, supported by Croisenois and Norbert. ### M. de Luz Among the young nobles who jest about Julien's priestly demeanor and show coldness toward him. ## Key lines > The need of anxiety. These words summed up the character of my aunt, the beautiful Marguerite de Valois, who was soon to marry the King of Navarre whom we see reigning at present in France under the name of Henry IV. The desire for excitement and risk defined my aunt, the beautiful Marguerite de Valois, who was about to marry the future King Henry IV of France. _Mathilde draws a parallel between herself and Marguerite de Valois, emphasizing a shared need for drama and danger._ > His energy frightens them in this age where all energy is dead. I will tell him my brother's phrase. I want to see what answer he will make. His vitality terrifies them in this era devoid of vigor. I will repeat my brother's remark to him and see how he responds. _Mathilde sees Julien's energy as a rare and threatening quality, and she plans to test his reaction to her brother's warning._ > He must be a Danton! He could be another Danton! _Mathilde compares Julien to the revolutionary leader Danton, imagining him capable of violent action in a future revolution._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlii-is-he-a-danton - 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