The Red and the Black · Chapter
Chapter LXXI. The Trial explained
The trial of Julien Sorel takes place in Besançon, drawing a large and emotional crowd.
What happens
The trial of Julien Sorel takes place in Besançon, drawing a large and emotional crowd. Julien, initially resolved to remain silent, is moved by the public's sympathy and the presence of Madame Derville. He delivers a passionate speech denouncing the class prejudice of the jury, admitting his crime but framing it as a rebellion against his lowly birth. The jury retires at one o'clock, and the chapter ends with the tense wait for the verdict.
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 Falling action.
- 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
Julien's speech explicitly attacks the jury as 'indignant bourgeois' and highlights the class bias in his trial.
- Ambition and Its Cost
Julien's rise from peasant to gentleman ends in his trial, illustrating the fatal consequences of his ambition.
- Hypocrisy and Social Mobility
The trial exposes the hypocrisy of a society that condemns a man for daring to rise above his station.
Characters to notice
- Julien Sorel
The accused, calm and philosophical, delivers a defiant speech to the jury.
- Madame de Rênal
Mentioned as the victim of Julien's crime, and the object of his remorse and respect.
- Mathilde de la Mole
Works behind the scenes to secure Julien's acquittal, using her influence and a bishop's letter.
- M. Valenod
A juror, whose insolent look hardens Julien's resolve; he is a symbol of the class Julien despises.
- Madame Derville
Present in the courtroom, she faints during Julien's speech, showing her emotional reaction.
- Fouqué
Julien's friend, present in the town for the trial, affected by the general agitation.
- Abbé de Frilair
Promises Mathilde to influence the jury, revealing his political machinations.
Key passages
“Gentlemen, I have not the honour of belonging to your class. You behold in me a peasant who has rebelled against the meanness of his fortune.”
Julien tells the jury that he is a peasant who dared to fight against his lowly birth.
Julien's central accusation of class prejudice.
“I do not ask you for any pardon... Death awaits me; it will be just.”
Julien declares he expects no mercy and accepts death as a just punishment.
Julien's defiant acceptance of his fate.
