The Red and the Black · Chapter
The First Steps explained
Julien begins his new life in Paris as secretary to the Marquis de la Mole.
What happens
Julien begins his new life in Paris as secretary to the Marquis de la Mole. He has an awkward encounter with Mathilde, who is annoyed to find him in the library. Count Norbert takes him riding, and Julien falls off his horse, but handles the embarrassment with grace, earning the marquis's approval. He also clashes with the envious Tanbeau, who tries to encroach on his position. Julien feels isolated in the household, and the Abbé Pirard, having left, decides to let Julien sink or swim on his own.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
Julien's social awkwardness and the condescending kindness of the nobles highlight the barriers of class and the expectations of aristocratic society.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's simple admission of his riding inexperience and his grace in embarrassment contrast with the artificiality of the aristocratic milieu, revealing his struggle to maintain authenticity.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Begins his duties as secretary, endures a humiliating fall from a horse but impresses with his simplicity, and feels isolated in the de la Mole household.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Annoyed to find Julien in the library, later laughs at his riding mishap and shows curiosity about him.
- Comte Norbert
Takes Julien riding, offers advice, and praises his courage to the family.
- Marquis de la Mole
Approves of Julien's handling of the riding incident and rebukes Tanbeau for intruding.
- Tanbeau
Attempts to share Julien's workspace in the library but is sharply dismissed by the marquis.
- Abbé Pirard
Has left for his living, deciding to let Julien succeed or fail on his own.
Key passages
“This immense valley, filled with brilliant lights and so many thousands of men dazzles my sight. No one knows me. All are superior to me. I lose my head.”
Julien feels overwhelmed and out of place in Paris, surrounded by a vast, brilliant society where he is unknown and feels inferior.
The epigraph captures Julien's initial disorientation in the capital.
“Julien put his listeners so thoroughly at their ease over his misfortune that at the end of the dinner, when the general conversation had gone off on to another subject, Mademoiselle Mathilde asked her brother some questions over the details of the unfortunate occurrence.”
Julien's candid account of his fall made everyone comfortable, and even Mathilde later asked her brother for more details.
Julien's simplicity wins him a measure of acceptance.