The Red and the Black

After escaping his pursuers, Julien is on his way to Paris to work for the marquis. He takes a mail coach to the capital and is pleased to share his journey with two young gentlemen who seem happy to profess their liberal politics. He overhears their “endless” (243) discussions about Napoleon and current affairs. In Paris, Julien reunites with Abbé Pirard, who tells him what to expect from the marquis. He also prepares Julien for life among the elite of Paris, particularly the conservative Ultras. The guidance and instruction of Abbé Pirard is a source of comfort for Julien, who comes to view the old priest as “a new father” (249).

The Marquis de la Mole hires Julien to copy out letters and perform administrative tasks on his behalf. Though Abbé Pirard has recommended Julien as intelligent, the marquis notices a spelling error in one of Julien’s first letters. He worries that he has hired a “clumsy” provincial man to work as a secretary. When Julien dines with the family, however, he impresses people through his intelligence, his critical thinking, and his knowledge of Latin. He is introduced to the marquis’s family, including the marquis’s wife, the marquise, and his two children, Mathilde and Norbert.