# Chapter XXXVI. Pronunciation explained — The Red and the Black

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

## What happens

Julien Sorel, now in Paris, becomes embroiled in a duel with the Chevalier de Beauvoisis after a misunderstanding in a café. The duel is brief, and Julien is wounded in the arm. The Chevalier, fearing ridicule for fighting a mere secretary, spreads a rumor that Julien is the natural son of a friend of the Marquis de la Mole. This fabrication gains acceptance, and the Chevalier and his friend begin to socialize with Julien, introducing him to the opera and the singer Geronimo. Julien is fascinated by the Chevalier's blend of self-respect, self-importance, and youthful fatuity, and he begins to shed his provincial mannerisms.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice

The Chevalier's concern about dueling with a mere secretary and the fabrication of a noble lineage for Julien highlight the importance of social rank.

### Self-Identity and Authenticity

Julien struggles with his provincial identity and attempts to adopt Parisian manners, while the Chevalier's affectation of a noble birth for Julien complicates his sense of self.

### Provincial vs. Parisian Society

Julien observes the differences between provincial and Parisian social behavior, noting the ease and wit of the Parisian gentlemen compared to the boredom of the Marquis's salon.

## Character check-ins

### Julien Sorel

Engages in a duel with the Chevalier de Beauvoisis, is wounded, and begins to adopt Parisian social graces.

### M. de Beauvoisis

The Chevalier de Beauvoisis, whose insult leads to a duel; he later spreads a rumor about Julien's parentage.

### Marquis de la Mole

Mentions the rumor about Julien's birth and advises him to observe society at the opera.

### Signor Geronimo

Famous singer introduced to Julien by the Chevalier de Beauvoisis at the opera.

### Chevalier de Beauvoisis

The young diplomat who fights the duel and later befriends Julien.

## Key lines

> Julien almost paid court to the chevalier. His mixture of self-respect, mysterious self-importance, and fatuous youthfulness fascinated him.

Julien was nearly subservient to the chevalier, captivated by his blend of dignity, enigmatic pride, and youthful foolishness.

_Julien's fascination with the Chevalier's social persona._

> The duel was over in a minute. Julien got a ball in his arm.

The duel concluded quickly, with Julien receiving a gunshot wound to his arm.

_The brevity and outcome of the duel._

## Links

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