The Red and the Black

Julien approaches love as though he was conducting a war. After having sex with Mme. de Rênal, he is determined to return to his room in his own time, “defying prudence” (92). He does not want to take precautions, even though the sun is rising. In the ensuing days, he feels the need to play a part, but he quickly succumbs to romance and feels that he is “head over heels in love” (95), praising all aspects of Mme. de Rênal. Now that their relationship is closer and less formal, he feels comfortable enough to ask her more about upper class etiquette and she happily instructs him.

During one of their conversations, Julien hints to Mme. de Rênal that he is a fan of Napoleon. He quickly remembers that, as the wife of a wealthy man, Mme. de Rênal was raised “in the enemy camp” (99). Rather than hoping to win her to his cause, he reminds himself to be more cautious about revealing his true political beliefs around her. Mme. de Rênal, meanwhile, explains the local political situation to Julien, providing him insight into the petty rivalries and disagreements of the small town. Julien notes the hypocrisy of the wealthy.