# Chapter XXXIX. The Ball explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien attends a ball at the Hôtel de la Mole, where he engages in a deep conversation with Comte Altamira about revolution, morality, and the nature of power. His intense thoughts and passionate responses intrigue and unsettle Mathilde de la Mole, who becomes increasingly aware of his intellectual fervor and her own conflicted feelings. The chapter explores themes of ambition, social hypocrisy, and the cost of idealism.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Its Cost

Julien's ambition is evident in his admiration for revolutionary figures and his desire for distinction, but the chapter also hints at the moral compromises and personal sacrifices such ambition entails.

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

The ball highlights the rigid class structure and aristocratic disdain for those of lower birth, as seen in Mathilde's initial haughtiness and the general atmosphere of conventionalism.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien's internal struggle between his plebeian origins and his adopted aristocratic role reflects his quest for an authentic self amidst societal expectations.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Engages in philosophical discussions with Altamira, reflects on revolution and morality, and inadvertently captivates Mathilde with his intensity.

### Mathilde de la Mole

Observes Julien's distraction and passion, feels slighted by his indifference, and becomes increasingly intrigued by his unconventional thoughts.

### Comte Altamira

Shares his revolutionary experiences and cynical views on French society with Julien, influencing his reflections.

### Comte Norbert

Present at the ball, though not prominently featured; his presence is part of the aristocratic setting.

## Key lines

> The fact is your effete society prizes conventionalism above everything else. You will never get beyond military bravery. You will have Murats, never Washingtons. I can see nothing in France except vanity.

Your society values conformity above all, and you'll never achieve true greatness—only military heroes, not statesmen. France is full of vanity.

_Altamira criticizes French society's superficiality and lack of intellectual courage._

> A conspiracy annihilates all titles conferred by social caprice. There, a man takes for his crest the rank that is given him by the way in which he faces death.

In a conspiracy, social titles become meaningless; a person's true worth is shown by how they confront death.

_Julien reflects on how revolutionary action strips away artificial social hierarchies._

> The end justifies the means. If instead of being an insignificant man I had some power I would have three men hanged in order to save four men’s lives.

The ends justify the means; if I had power, I would sacrifice a few to save many.

_Julien expresses a utilitarian view of morality, shocking Mathilde._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxix-the-ball
- 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