Chapter XLV. Is It A Plot? explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Ambition and Its Cost

  Julien's internal conflict highlights the price of ambition: he risks his life and honor for a chance to rise above his station, even if it means facing a potential trap.

• Love as Power Struggle

  The relationship between Julien and Mathilde is framed as a power play, where Julien sees the ladder climb as a test of his courage and worth, and Mathilde's actions are seen as a manipulation of his desires.

• Self-Identity and Authenticity

  Julien's fear of being seen as a coward and his need to prove his honor reflect his struggle to define himself in a society that judges him by his birth.

• Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

  Julien's awareness of his low birth and the aristocratic world's disdain for him is central to his decision; he feels he must prove his worth through audacious actions.

Characters to notice

• Julien Sorel

  Julien is the protagonist, agonizing over whether Mathilde's invitation is a plot against him. He contemplates leaving, but ultimately decides to go through with the plan to avoid being seen as a coward.

• Mathilde de la Mole

  Mathilde is the instigator of the risky plan, having invited Julien to her room. Julien observes her pale and serious demeanor at dinner, which he interprets as a sign of her determination.

• Fouqué

  Julien writes to Fouqué, his friend, sending a sealed manuscript to be published in case of an accident, indicating his distrust and preparation for the worst.

• Marquis de la Mole

  The marquis is mentioned as being absent from the library, allowing Mathilde the freedom to speak with Julien. Julien also plans to send a copy of his memoir to him.

• Comte Norbert

  Norbert is mentioned as one of the few people who frequent the library, but he is absent, contributing to the opportunity for Mathilde's plan.

• M. de Croisenois

  Julien thinks of Croisenois as a rival, a charming young man of noble birth and fortune, whom he might triumph over if he succeeds.

• M. de Beauvoisis

  Julien recalls his duel with Beauvoisis, which he now considers a mere joke compared to the present danger.

Key passages

• “Oh, how cruel is the interval between the conception and the execution of a great project. What vain fears, what fits of irresolution! It is a matter of life and death—even more is at stake honour!— Schiller .”

  The time between planning and doing a big thing is awful, full of fear and doubt, because it's not just life or death but also about honor.

  The epigraph sets the tone for Julien's agonizing wait.

• ““This is getting serious,” thought Julien, “and a little too clear,” he added after thinking a little.”

  Julien realizes the situation is becoming dangerous and too obvious.

  Julien begins to suspect a trap.

• ““If by chance,” he suddenly said to himself after he had closed his trunk, “Mathilde is in good faith, why then I cut the figure of an arrant coward in her eyes.”

  Julien worries that if Mathilde is sincere, he will look like a coward by not going.

  Julien's fear of being seen as a coward drives his decision.

• ““What folly am I going to rush into,” he said to himself with surprise and terror when he returned.”

  Julien is shocked and scared by the reckless thing he is about to do.

  Julien's realization of the danger of his plan.

• ““It’s like a duel,” he said to himself with a laugh. “Everyone makes a full parade, says my maître d’armes , but the good God, who wishes the thing to end, makes one of them forget to parry.”

  Julien compares the situation to a duel, where everyone prepares but fate decides the outcome.

  Julien tries to rationalize the risk.