# Chapter XXVIII. A Procession explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien is assigned by Abbé Pirard to assist Abbé Chas-Bernard in decorating the cathedral for the Fête Dieu. Despite his attempts to appear humble, Julien remains an outsider among the seminary professors. During the procession, Julien is overwhelmed by the grandeur of the ceremony and loses himself in reverie. His solitude is shattered when he encounters Madame de Rênal, who faints upon seeing him. Madame Derville angrily orders him away, and Julien, deeply shaken, retreats. The chapter ends with Julien emotionally extinguished, having been profoundly affected by the reunion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion as Institution

The chapter highlights the institutional and ceremonial aspects of the Church, with Abbé Chas-Bernard's focus on ornaments and the procession's grandeur.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien's inability to fit in with the seminary professors and his emotional reaction to the ceremony reveal his inner conflict between his true self and his adopted role.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Assigned to help decorate the cathedral; overwhelmed by the ceremony and the encounter with Madame de Rênal.

### Abbé Chas-Bernard

Director of ceremonies at the cathedral; befriends Julien and entrusts him with watching the north wing.

### Madame de Rênal

Faints upon seeing Julien during the procession; her presence deeply affects him.

### Madame Derville

Accompanies Madame de Rênal and angrily orders Julien to leave after the fainting.

### Abbé Pirard

Assigns Julien to help with the cathedral decorations.

## Key lines

> All hearts were moved. The presence of God seemed to have descended into these narrow Gothic streets that stretched in every direction, and were sanded by the care of the faithful.

Everyone was deeply affected; it felt as if God had come down into the narrow, sand-covered streets of the town.

_Opening description of the religious atmosphere during the procession._

> It was in vain that Julien pretended to be petty and stupid. He could not please; he was too different.

Julien's attempts to appear insignificant and foolish were futile; he couldn't win approval because he was too distinct from the others.

_Julien's alienation from the seminary professors._

> Julien's soul exalted by these sounds with all their virile fulness, instead of making these wise reflections, wandered in the realm of imagination.

Instead of thinking practically about the bell-ringers' wages, Julien's soul was uplifted by the powerful sounds and drifted into imaginative thoughts.

_Julien's romantic nature contrasts with the pragmatic concerns of the seminary._

> She was so happy before you came. Your conduct is atrocious. Flee! Take yourself off if you have any shame left.

She was content before you arrived; your behavior is terrible. Leave at once if you have any decency.

_Madame Derville's angry reaction to Julien's presence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxviii-a-procession
- 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