The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter XXXV. Sensibility And A Great Pious Lady explained
Julien, now established in Paris as the Marquis de la Mole's secretary, manages the marquis's estates and correspondence, including the lawsuit with Abbé de Frilair.
What happens
Julien, now established in Paris as the Marquis de la Mole's secretary, manages the marquis's estates and correspondence, including the lawsuit with Abbé de Frilair. He becomes involved with Jansenist circles through Abbé Pirard, meeting Comte Altamira, and struggles with the polished but cold politeness of Parisian society, which leaves him feeling isolated and bored. His relationship with Mathilde cools, and he focuses on practical skills like riding and shooting. The marquis increasingly relies on him, while Madame de la Mole shows interest in the Baron de la Joumate as a potential husband for her daughter.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
Julien feels out of place in the Hôtel de la Mole, where the polished politeness of high society leaves him feeling like a stranger, highlighting the rigid social hierarchy.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's struggle with the artificiality of Parisian society and his own 'foolish sensibility' leads him to adopt precautions and practice skills, reflecting his quest for a genuine self.
Religion as Institution
Julien's encounter with the Jansenists challenges his view of religion as mere hypocrisy, as he admires their austere piety and lack of concern for income.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Now the marquis's trusted secretary, managing estates and correspondence; feels isolated and bored in Parisian high society.
- Marquis de la Mole
Entrusts Julien with his affairs and gradually takes him into his confidence; appreciates Julien's industry and intelligence.
- Abbé Pirard
Instructs Julien and introduces him to Jansenist societies, opening a new world for Julien.
- Comte Altamira
A Liberal and believer condemned to death in his own country; Julien is struck by his contrast of devoutness and love of liberty.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Julien vows never to speak to her after committing breaches of social etiquette; their relations are cool.
- Madame de la Mole
Sometimes makes fun of Julien; shows interest in the Baron de la Joumate as a potential husband for her daughter.
Key passages
“An idea which has any life in it seems like a crudity, so accustomed are they to colourless expression. Woe to him who introduces new ideas into his conversation!”
In high society, any original thought is seen as vulgar, and those who speak with genuine passion are punished.
This epigraph sets the tone for Julien's experience of Parisian society's stifling conformity.
“His pallor constituted one of his merits in the eyes of his comrades, the young seminarist; he found them much less malicious, much less ready to bow down to a silver crown than those of Besançon; they thought he was consumptive.”
Julien's pale complexion made him seem more refined to his fellow seminarists, who were less corrupt than those in Besançon and even thought he might be ill.
Julien's physical appearance and the contrast between provincial and Parisian religious circles are highlighted.
“No doubt the provinces can be reproached with a commonness and lack of polish in their tone; but they show a certain amount of passion, when they answer you.”
The provinces may be crude, but at least they respond with genuine feeling, unlike the cold, polished indifference of Paris.
Julien's nostalgia for provincial authenticity versus Parisian artificiality.
“Rich men with a lofty spirit have recourse to business not so much for results as for distraction.”
Wealthy, ambitious men engage in business not for profit but to occupy their minds.
This observation explains the marquis's behavior and his need for Julien's organizational skills.
