# Chapter XXXII. Entry Into Society explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien Sorel enters Parisian high society as the Marquis de la Mole's secretary. He attends a formal dinner where he impresses guests with his knowledge of Latin and Horace, despite his provincial manners. The Marquis provides him with new clothes, a salary, and a library, but Julien struggles with the social codes and the cold demeanor of the Marquise and Mademoiselle Mathilde.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

Julien's provincial origins and lack of social graces are contrasted with the aristocratic elegance of the de la Mole household.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien struggles to maintain his identity while adapting to the expectations of Parisian society.

### Provincial vs. Parisian Society

The chapter highlights the differences between provincial and Parisian manners, as Julien navigates the latter.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Adapts to Parisian society, impresses with Latin knowledge, and receives new wardrobe and library access.

### Marquis de la Mole

Hires Julien as secretary, provides for his needs, and tests his abilities.

### Mathilde de la Mole

First seen at dinner, noted for her beautiful but cold eyes.

### Madame de la Mole

Imposing and impertinent, she barely acknowledges Julien.

### Comte Norbert

Admired by Julien for his charm and aristocratic ease.

### Abbé Pirard

Warns Julien about Parisian society and advises him on dress and behavior.

## Key lines

> He was overcome by the kindness of the marquis which recalled to him through sheer force of contrast the superciliousness of M. de Rênal.

Julien was moved by the marquis's generosity, which reminded him of how condescending M. de Rênal had been.

_Julien contrasts his new employer's treatment with his former one's._

> Julien thought that the marquis looked bored.

Julien noticed that the marquis seemed uninterested or weary.

_Observation of the marquis's demeanor during dinner._

> Her eyes are scintillating, he said to himself.

He thought her eyes sparkled brilliantly.

_Julien's assessment of Mathilde's beauty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxii-entry-into-society
- 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