# Chapter XXXI. The Pleasures Of The Country explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien leaves Verrières for Paris, accompanied by Abbé Pirard, who gives him advice about the de la Mole household. On the journey, he meets a traveler, M. de Saint Giraud, who complains about provincial life and politics. Julien arrives at the Hôtel de la Mole, where he is struck by its architecture and the social world he is about to enter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

Abbé Pirard describes Madame de la Mole's aristocratic prejudices and the social hierarchy that Julien must navigate.

### Provincial vs. Parisian Society

M. de Saint Giraud's complaints about provincial life contrast with the allure and complexity of Parisian society.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien feels out of place and reflects on his own character as he prepares to enter a new social sphere.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Leaves for Paris with Abbé Pirard, receives advice, and arrives at the Hôtel de la Mole.

### Abbé Pirard

Accompanies Julien to Paris, gives him detailed advice about the de la Mole family and social expectations.

### Marquis de la Mole

Mentioned as the benefactor who secured Abbé Pirard's living and is now bringing Julien to Paris.

### Madame de la Mole

Described by Abbé Pirard as a devout, polite, and insignificant woman of aristocratic prejudices.

### M. de Saint Giraud

Traveler who shares his disillusionment with provincial life and politics with Julien on the journey.

### Falcoz

Acquaintance of M. de Saint Giraud, who listens to his complaints about provincial life.

## Key lines

> Adsum qui feci. I will say that I am responsible for that resolution.

I will take responsibility for that decision.

_Julien's internal resolve to accept the consequences of his actions._

> O rus quando ego te aspiciam?

Oh countryside, when shall I see you?

_Horace's epigraph reflects Julien's longing for simplicity amid the complexities of Paris._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxi-the-pleasures-of-the-country
- 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