Love as Power Struggle

Romantic relationships in the novel are framed as battles for dominance, where characters like Julien, Madame de Rênal, and Mathilde use affection, pride, and manipulation to assert control over one another.

The hand-kiss is an act of boldness and a power play, initiating a complex dynamic between Julien and Madame de Rênal.

Madame de Rênal's realization of her love and Julien's sense of duty to touch her hand reflect the power dynamics in their emerging relationship.

The interaction between Julien and Madame de Rênal is framed as a battle of wills and a test of dominance, with Julien's actions driven by a sense of duty and pride rather than genuine affection.

Julien's pursuit of Madame de Rênal is framed as a strategic conquest, a way to assert dominance over M. de Rênal, turning affection into a battlefield.