The Red and the Black · Question
How does The Red and the Black develop the theme of Class and Aristocratic Prejudice?
Answer
The Red and the Black by Stendhal develops Class and Aristocratic Prejudice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book exposes the rigid hierarchies of Restoration France, where birth and wealth determine worth, and where the nobility and bourgeoisie view Julien's peasant origins with contempt despite his talents.
M. de Rênal, though a manufacturer, blushes at his trade and values his ancient Spanish lineage. The town's social hierarchy is based on wealth and land ownership, with peasants like old Sorel seen as beneath the mayor.
M. de Rênal's haughty attitude toward the surgeon and his disdain for the Parisian gentleman illustrate class prejudices.
The mayor's initial reluctance to hire a carpenter's son as a tutor reveals deep-seated class prejudices, despite the practical benefits.
Evidence in the book
- Chapter I. A Small Town
M. de Rênal, though a manufacturer, blushes at his trade and values his ancient Spanish lineage. The town's social hierarchy is based on wealth and land ownership, with peasants like old Sorel seen as beneath the mayor.
- Chapter II. A Mayor
M. de Rênal's haughty attitude toward the surgeon and his disdain for the Parisian gentleman illustrate class prejudices.
- Chapter III. The Poor Fund
The mayor's initial reluctance to hire a carpenter's son as a tutor reveals deep-seated class prejudices, despite the practical benefits.
- Chapter IV. A Father And A Son
M. de Rênal's offer to hire Julien as tutor is driven by class competition with Valenod, not genuine respect for Julien.
- Chapter V. A Negotiation
The negotiation between Old Sorel and M. de Rênal highlights the class distinctions and the social hierarchy of the time. Julien's position as a tutor is a step up, but he is still seen as a servant, and his refusal to eat with the servants underscores the class barriers.
- Chapter VI. Ennui
The de Rênal's treatment of Julien as a 'little peasant' and the emphasis on proper attire reflect class prejudices.
- Chapter VII. The Elective Affinities
M. de Rênal's dismissal of Julien as a 'servant' and the general condescension of the provincial nobility underscore the rigid class barriers that Julien resents.
- Chapter IX. An Evening In The Country
Julien's extreme hatred of the rich and his perception of being humiliated by M. de Rênal highlight the deep class divisions and the psychological toll of social inferiority.
