The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter XXXVIII. What Is The Decoration Which Confers Distinction? explained
Julien Sorel, now a dandy in Paris, returns to the Hôtel de la Mole after a visit to Villequier.
What happens
Julien Sorel, now a dandy in Paris, returns to the Hôtel de la Mole after a visit to Villequier. He maintains a cold demeanor toward Mathilde, who becomes intrigued by his change. At a grand ball at the Hôtel de Retz, Julien observes the aristocratic society with disdain, while Mathilde, bored with her suitors, finds Julien's seriousness and pride intriguing. Their conversation reveals Julien's contempt for Rousseau and his own social climbing, and Mathilde's growing interest in him as someone different from the shallow nobles around her.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
Julien's disdain for the aristocratic puppets and his observation of their values highlight the class tensions and prejudices of the era.
Self-Identity and Authenticity
Julien's internal conflict between his provincial origins and his new dandy persona, and Mathilde's search for something genuine amidst the artificiality, reflect the theme of authenticity.
Provincial vs. Parisian Society
Julien's provincial background contrasts with the Parisian aristocratic world, as he is both fascinated and repelled by its splendor and hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
Now a dandy, he maintains coldness toward Mathilde and attends the ball at Hôtel de Retz, observing aristocratic society with disdain.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Bored with her aristocratic suitors, she is intrigued by Julien's seriousness and engages him in conversation, showing her intellectual vanity.
- Marquis de la Mole
Mentions his interest in Villequier estate and has given Julien a cross, which Mathilde notes.
- Comte Norbert
Invites Julien to the ball at M. de Retz's, showing politeness that Julien interprets as subservience.
- M. de Croisenois
A suitor of Mathilde, he tries to approach her at the ball but is dismissed by her as flat and boring.
- M. de Rouvray
A newly married young nobleman, noted for his conventional love and manners, serving as an example of the aristocracy's banality.
- Duke de Retz
Hosts the grand ball at the Hôtel de Retz, which impresses Julien with its magnificence.
Key passages
““Since these puppets consider her so remarkable, it is worth while for me to study her,” he thought. “I shall then understand what these people regard as perfection.””
Julien decides to observe Mathilde because the aristocrats think she is extraordinary, hoping to learn what they consider ideal.
Julien's cynical curiosity about aristocratic values.
““J. J. Rousseau,” he answered, “is in my view only a fool when he takes it upon himself to criticise society. He did not understand it, and he went into it with the spirit of a lackey who has risen above his station.””
Julien dismisses Rousseau as a fool for criticizing society without understanding it, comparing him to a servant who has risen above his place.
Julien's critique of Rousseau reflects his own complex feelings about social mobility.
““Could anything be flatter,” she said to herself. “There is Croisenois who wants to marry me, he is gentle and polite, he has perfect manners like M. de Rouvray. If they did not bore, those gentlemen would be quite charming.””
Mathilde thinks that Croisenois and Rouvray are polite and charming but utterly boring, and she is already weary of the predictable life they would offer.
Mathilde's ennui with her aristocratic suitors.
