# Chapter XXXVII. An Attack Of Gout explained — The Red and the Black > Chapter companion for The Red and the Black by Stendhal. ## What happens The Marquis de la Mole, confined by gout, develops a closer relationship with Julien, who becomes his trusted secretary. The marquis is amused by Julien's originality and gradually comes to respect his intelligence and strength of character. He tests Julien by offering him gifts and a blue suit, which signifies a higher social status, and Julien navigates these tests with tact. The marquis entrusts him with more complex business affairs, and Julien's careful methods of bookkeeping and documentation impress him. Eventually, the marquis sends Julien to London on a mission, where Julien observes English society and meets the philosopher Philip Vane. Upon his return, Julien reports his observations, and the marquis reveals that the true purpose of the trip was to fetch a decoration for him, the cross of the Legion of Honor. ## Themes in this chapter ### Class and Aristocratic Prejudice The Marquis's decision to give Julien a blue suit, which symbolizes a higher social rank, and his internal debate about 'ennobling' him highlight the rigid class structures and the power of aristocratic patronage. ### Ambition and Its Cost Julien's careful navigation of the Marquis's tests, his refusal of a direct gift to avoid 'calumny', and his mission to London all demonstrate his calculated ambition and the strategic compromises it requires. ### Self-Identity and Authenticity Julien's 'original' character, which the Marquis finds so intriguing, is contrasted with the 'affectation' of other provincials. Julien's internal struggle with his own feelings and his decision to suppress his true beliefs ('his fanatical admiration' and 'complete scepticism') show the tension between authenticity and social advancement. ## Character check-ins ### Julien Sorel Serves as the Marquis's secretary, demonstrating his intelligence and strength of character. He carefully manages the Marquis's affairs and navigates the social tests presented to him, including the offer of a blue suit and a gift of money. ### Marquis de la Mole Confined by gout, he becomes increasingly attached to Julien, finding his originality and lack of affectation refreshing. He tests Julien's character and eventually entrusts him with important business and a mission to London. ### Abbé Pirard The Marquis confides in him about Julien's birth and his decision to 'ennoble' him. He is also credited by Julien for the idea of exactness in accounts. ### Prince Korasoff A young Russian nobleman in London who advises Julien on how to behave in society, telling him to 'always do the opposite of what is expected of you.' ### M. de Beauvoisis His 'little affair' with Julien, involving a scene in a café, is a story that amuses the Marquis and helps establish frankness between them. ### Comte Norbert The Marquis's son, who only sees his father at stray moments during his illness, as they have little to say to each other. ## Key lines > “All other provincials who come to Paris admire everything,” thought the marquis. “This one hates everything. They have too much affectation; he has not affectation enough; and fools take him for a fool.” The Marquis reflects that while most provincials are overly impressed by Paris, Julien is the opposite, lacking the common pretentiousness and thus being underestimated by others. _This reveals the Marquis's perception of Julien's unique and authentic character._ > “One gets quite attached to a fine spaniel,” thought the marquis. “Why should I be so ashamed of being attached to this little abbé? He is original. I treat him as a son. Well, where’s the bother? The whim, if it lasts, will cost me a diamond and five hundred louis in my will.” The Marquis compares his growing fondness for Julien to the affection one feels for a pet, justifying it by Julien's originality and rationalizing the potential cost of his patronage. _This shows the Marquis's somewhat condescending yet genuine attachment to Julien, framed within the context of aristocratic privilege._ > “Your future is assured, my dear Sorel,” they said to him. “You naturally have that cold demeanour, a thousand leagues away from the sensation one has at the moment , that we have been making such efforts to acquire.” The young Russian nobles tell Julien that his natural aloofness and detachment are qualities they have to work hard to cultivate, and that this will guarantee his success. _This highlights Julien's innate ability to project an air of superiority and control, which is valued in high society._ > “Always do the opposite of what is expected of you. On my honour there you have the sole religion of the period. Don’t be foolish or affected, for then follies and affectations will be expected of you, and the maxim will not longer prove true.” Prince Korasoff advises Julien that the key to navigating society is to defy expectations, as this is the only true principle of the age. _This cynical advice from Prince Korasoff outlines a strategy for social manipulation that Julien is meant to adopt._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvii-an-attack-of-gout - 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