The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter II. A Mayor explained
This chapter introduces M.
What happens
This chapter introduces M. de Rênal, the mayor of Verrières, and his preoccupation with public reputation and utility. It describes his pride in the public promenade, his authoritarian management of trees, and his irritation with a Parisian visitor, M. Appert, who inspected local institutions. Madame de Rênal appears as a dutiful wife, concerned with their children, while the town's obsession with 'bringing in profit' is highlighted.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Mathilde’s pride—her defining trait—shatters here as she openly begs Julien for reassurance, weeping and admit…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Class and Aristocratic Prejudice
M. de Rênal's haughty attitude toward the surgeon and his disdain for the Parisian gentleman illustrate class prejudices.
- Provincial vs. Parisian Society
The contrast between Verrières' provincial values and the perceived threat of Parisian influence is central.
- Hypocrisy and Social Mobility
The town's obsession with 'bringing in profit' and the mayor's concern for reputation over substance highlight hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- M. de Rênal
The mayor of Verrières, proud of his administrative achievements and sensitive to criticism, especially from Parisian visitors.
- Madame de Rênal
The mayor's wife, appears as a caring mother and timidly questions her husband's fears about M. Appert.
- M. Valenod
Director of the workhouse, mentioned as sharing the mayor's opinion of the promenade.
- M. Appert
A Parisian gentleman who visited the prison, workhouse, and hospital, causing M. de Rênal's displeasure.
- M. Maslon
A young ecclesiastic who appropriates tree clippings, adding to the mayor's authoritarian practices.
- Curé Chélan
Mentioned as the target of M. Maslon's surveillance, indicating local clerical tensions.
- Stanislas-Xavier
One of the three little boys, likely the eldest, who is warned by his mother near the parapet.
Key passages
“Bringing in profit is the consideration which decides everything in this little town which you thought so pretty.”
The primary motivation for the townspeople is financial gain, overriding any appreciation for beauty.
This captures the utilitarian ethos of Verrières.
“I like the shade, I have my trees clipped in order to give shade, and I cannot conceive that a tree can have any other purpose, provided of course it is not bringing in any profit, like the useful walnut tree.”
M. de Rênal justifies the pruning of trees solely for shade, dismissing any other value unless it yields profit.
Shows the mayor's authoritarian and profit-driven mindset.
