The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter XLVII. An Old Sword explained
After their night of passion, Mathilde de la Mole becomes cold and distant, refusing to acknowledge Julien.
What happens
After their night of passion, Mathilde de la Mole becomes cold and distant, refusing to acknowledge Julien. Julien, confused and anxious, confronts her, leading to a bitter exchange where they agree to part. Julien, realizing he loves her, decides to leave for Languedoc, but when he finds Mathilde in the library, she cruelly says she regrets giving herself to 'the first man who came along.' Enraged, Julien grabs an old medieval sword, but stops himself out of respect for the Marquis. Mathilde is thrilled by the near-violence, seeing it as a romantic echo of her ancestors, and her feelings shift. The Marquis, however, forbids Julien from leaving, leaving Julien in despair.
Themes in this chapter
Love as Power Struggle
Julien and Mathilde's relationship is a battle for dominance, where affection is expressed through cruelty and near-violence.
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
Mathilde's shame at giving herself to a man of low birth, and Julien's awareness of his social inferiority, drive the conflict.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's internal struggle between his genuine feelings and his calculated persona, and Mathilde's theatrical self-image.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Torn between love and pride, he nearly kills Mathilde in a fit of jealousy, then is overwhelmed by his own emotions.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Cold and cruel after their affair, she is thrilled by the threat of violence, which rekindles her fascination.
- Marquis de la Mole
Unaware of the drama, he forbids Julien from leaving Paris, insisting he is needed.
- M. de Croisenois
Mentioned as a rival; Julien feels like embracing him in his misery.
- Abbé Pirard
Mentioned as a potential confidant, but Julien fears he will not listen.
- Comte Altamira
Mentioned as someone who might involve Julien in a conspiracy.
Key passages
“I now mean to be serious; it is time Since laughter now-a-days is deemed too serious. A jest at vice by virtues called a crime.”
The epigraph suggests that seriousness is now required, and that joking about vice is considered a crime by the virtuous.
Sets a tone of moral gravity and irony.
“She did not appear at dinner. She came for a minute into the salon in the evening, but did not look at Julien.”
Mathilde avoided Julien, not showing up for dinner and barely appearing in the salon, ignoring him completely.
Highlights the sudden coldness after their affair.
“I am horrified at having given myself to the first man who came along.”
Mathilde says she regrets giving herself to someone so unworthy, calling Julien 'the first man who came along.'
Her cruel words provoke Julien's violent reaction.
“He looked curiously at the blade of the old sword as though he had been looking for some spot of rust, then put it back in the scabbard and replaced it with the utmost tranquillity on the gilt bronze nail from which it hung.”
Julien pretended to inspect the sword for rust, then calmly put it back, hiding his murderous impulse.
Shows his self-control and the theatrical nature of the moment.
