# Class and Aristocratic Prejudice in The Red and the Black

> Theme guide for The Red and the Black by Stendhal.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter I. A Small Town](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/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.
- [Chapter X. A Great Heart And A Small Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-x-a-great-heart-and-a-small-fortune): Julien's confrontation with M. de Rênal highlights the tension between the peasant tutor and the aristocratic mayor.
- [Chapter XIII. The Open Work Stockings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xiii-the-open-work-stockings): Julien's internal conflict over the phrase 'well-born' underscores the deep-seated class prejudice he faces, even from Madame de Rênal, and his own sensitivity to his lowly origins.
- [Chapter XVII. The First Deputy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xvii-the-first-deputy): Julien's low birth and lack of money are highlighted as barriers, and Madame de Rênal's momentary coldness reflects the class prejudices of her circle.
- [Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xviii-a-king-at-verri-res): The townspeople's shock at seeing Julien, a carpenter's son, in the guard of honour highlights the rigid class distinctions.
- [Chapter XXII. Manners Of Procedure In 1830](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxii-manners-of-procedure-in-1830): M. de Rênal's vanity and suspicion are tied to his noble status, while Julien's low birth is a constant source of tension.
- [Sorrows Of An Official](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxiii-sorrows-of-an-official): M. de Rênal's concern for his prestige and the social hierarchy in Verrières underscores class prejudice.
- [Chapter XXVI. The World, Or What The Rich Lack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxvi-the-world-or-what-the-rich-lack): The seminarians' deference to 'big men' and the government, reflecting the class hierarchy in provincial France.
- [Chapter XXXI. The Pleasures Of The Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxi-the-pleasures-of-the-country): Abbé Pirard describes Madame de la Mole's aristocratic prejudices and the social hierarchy that Julien must navigate.
- [Chapter XXXII. Entry Into Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxii-entry-into-society): Julien's provincial origins and lack of social graces are contrasted with the aristocratic elegance of the de la Mole household.
- [The First Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiii-the-first-steps): Julien's social awkwardness and the condescending kindness of the nobles highlight the barriers of class and the expectations of aristocratic society.
- [Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiv-the-h-tel-de-la-mole): The salon's inhabitants display contempt for those not of noble birth, and Julien's presence as a commoner is met with curiosity and condescension.
- [Chapter XXXV. Sensibility And A Great Pious Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxv-sensibility-and-a-great-pious-lady): Julien feels out of place in the Hôtel de la Mole, where the polished politeness of high society leaves him feeling like a stranger, highlighting the rigid social hierarchy.
- [Chapter XXXVI. Pronunciation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvi-pronunciation): The Chevalier's concern about dueling with a mere secretary and the fabrication of a noble lineage for Julien highlight the importance of social rank.
- [Chapter XXXVII. An Attack Of Gout](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvii-an-attack-of-gout): The Marquis's decision to give Julien a blue suit, which symbolizes a higher social rank, and his internal debate about 'ennobling' him highlight the rigid class structures and the power of aristocratic patronage.
- [Chapter XXXVIII. What Is The Decoration Which Confers Distinction?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxviii-what-is-the-decoration-which-confers-distinction): Julien's disdain for the aristocratic puppets and his observation of their values highlight the class tensions and prejudices of the era.
- [Chapter XXXIX. The Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxix-the-ball): The ball highlights the rigid class structure and aristocratic disdain for those of lower birth, as seen in Mathilde's initial haughtiness and the general atmosphere of conventionalism.
- [Chapter XL. Queen Marguerite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xl-queen-marguerite): Julien's awareness of his inferior social position and the condescending attitude of the aristocracy, as exemplified by the Duke de Chaulnes calling him a 'servant of her household'.
- [Chapter XLI. A Young Girl’s Dominion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xli-a-young-girl-s-dominion): Mathilde's internal conflict over loving a man 'placed so far beneath me by his social position' highlights the rigid class barriers of the era.
- [Chapter XLII. Is He A Danton?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlii-is-he-a-danton): Mathilde's defense of Julien highlights the class prejudices of the aristocratic circle, who mock his poverty and priestly demeanor despite his merit.
- [Chapter XLIII. A Plot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliii-a-plot): Julien's internal monologue reveals his acute awareness of his low birth and the disdain of the aristocracy, as he weighs his worth against the noble Marquis de Croisenois.
- [Chapter XLIV. A Young Girl’s Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliv-a-young-girl-s-thoughts): Mathilde's internal conflict highlights the rigid social hierarchy, as she risks disgrace by writing to a man of low birth.
- [Chapter XLV. Is It A Plot?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlv-is-it-a-plot): Julien's awareness of his low birth and the aristocratic world's disdain for him is central to his decision; he feels he must prove his worth through audacious actions.
- [Chapter XLVII. An Old Sword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlvii-an-old-sword): Mathilde's shame at giving herself to a man of low birth, and Julien's awareness of his social inferiority, drive the conflict.
- [Chapter XLVIII. Cruel Moments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlviii-cruel-moments): Mathilde's reflections on Julien's lack of fortune and her own social standing highlight the class barriers that complicate their relationship.
- [Chapter L. The Japanese Vase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-l-the-japanese-vase): Julien's humiliation in the salon and his perception of being treated as an 'officious inferior' highlight the rigid class distinctions and the disdain of the aristocracy for a commoner.
- [Chapter LI. The Secret Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-li-the-secret-note): Julien, despite his intelligence and usefulness, is treated as a servant and is reminded of his lower social standing by the Marquis and the other nobles.
- [Chapter LII. The Discussion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lii-the-discussion): The meeting is an exclusive aristocratic gathering, and Julien's presence as a commoner is both useful and looked down upon.
- [Chapter LIII. The Clergy, The Forests, Liberty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liii-the-clergy-the-forests-liberty): The secret meeting is composed of aristocrats and high clergy who discuss manipulating the lower classes, revealing their disdain and fear of the plebeians.
- [Chapter LIV. Strasbourg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liv-strasbourg): The discussion of Madame de Fervaques's merchant origins and the social dynamics of the nobility reflect class prejudices.
- [Chapter LIX. Ennui](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lix-ennui): Madame de Fervaques's internal conflict over Julien's lowly position as a secretary and her desire to elevate him to a clerical role underscores the rigid class barriers.
- [Chapter LX. A Box At The Bouffes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lx-a-box-at-the-bouffes): Mathilde's pride and the social dynamics of the aristocratic circle are central to the chapter, as Julien's lower birth remains a point of tension.
- [Chapter LXII. The Tiger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxii-the-tiger): Mathilde's letter highlights the social chasm between Julien's humble origins and the aristocratic world, and her defiance of class expectations.
- [Chapter LXIII. The Hell Of Weakness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxiii-the-hell-of-weakness): The Marquis's horror at his daughter marrying a commoner like Julien, and his obsession with titles and social standing, highlight the deep-seated class prejudices of the aristocracy.
- [Chapter LXIV. A Man Of Intellect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxiv-a-man-of-intellect): The Marquis's internal conflict and his reluctance to publicly acknowledge Julien's marriage highlight the deep-seated class prejudices of the aristocracy.
- [A Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxv-a-storm): The Marquis de la Mole's refusal to accept Julien as a son-in-law, despite his new identity, underscores the rigid class barriers of the era.
- [Chapter LXVIII. A Powerful Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxviii-a-powerful-man): Mathilde's identity as a de la Mole is a key factor in her interactions, and Julien's concern for the Marquis's reputation highlights the importance of social standing, even in the face of death.
- [The Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxix-the-intrigue): Julien's advice to Mathilde to marry Croisenois reflects the enduring power of class and name, even in the face of scandal. He argues her fortune and his birth would make him a success.
- [Chapter LXX. Tranquility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxx-tranquility): The jury selection and the legal proceedings are influenced by class biases, with Abbé de Frilair manipulating the system to favor the well-born.
- [Chapter LXXI. The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxi-the-trial): Julien's speech explicitly attacks the jury as 'indignant bourgeois' and highlights the class bias in his trial.
- [CHAPTER LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxii-1): Julien's thoughts about the patricians' contempt for his humble origins highlight the class prejudices that shape his fate.
- [CHAPTER LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxv): The death of M. de Croisenois and the discussions about Mathilde's future marriage highlight the importance of social standing and noble lineage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/themes/class_and_aristocratic_prejudice
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/themes