Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader -- Red and Black (US English)

Author: Wang Runxia / Country: Mainland China
Publisher: Kaixinwenjiaoyu Press
Publication Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The novel depicts the personal struggle and eventual failure of the protagonist Julien, particularly his two romantic experiences. Verrières is a beautiful city in the Franche-Comté region of France. The story begins here. Julien, an ambitious man, is the son of a local farmer. Although he admires Napoleon in his heart, in the context of the restored monarchy, he believes that serving in the clergy is the only path to success for commoners. Therefore, he resolves to enter the church. Through hard work, despite his father, Mr. Sorel, doing everything in his power to obstruct and torment him, Julien acquires profound knowledge and extraordinary talents thanks to his expansive ambition and excellent memory. Mr. de Rênal, the mayor of Verrières, learns of his intellect and hires him as a tutor for his children. During this time, Julien falls in love with the mayor's wife, Madame de Rênal, and seduces her using her innocence and naivety. As the two become consumed by passionate love, a jealous maid reveals their secret, and the news spreads throughout the city. Julien is forced to continue his studies at the Seminary of Besan?on. He performs outstandingly and gains the favor of Father Pirard, the seminary's headmaster. Later, thanks to the strong recommendation of the headmaster, he is appointed as the private secretary to the prominent political figure, the Marquis de La Mole. The Marquis highly appreciates Julien's talents, places great trust in him, and assigns him a very important mission in Paris. The Marquis's daughter, Mathilde, who is extremely proud and arrogant, is deeply attracted to Julien, despite his humble origins and his proud, energetic demeanor. After several emotional twists and turns, Julien finally wins Mathilde's heart. Meanwhile, she discovers that she is pregnant with Julien's child. Ignoring her father's fierce opposition, she resolutely decides to marry Julien and eventually forces him to agree to their marriage. To preserve his reputation, the Marquis arranges for Julien to become a nobleman and appoints him as a lieutenant in the light cavalry. Just as Julien and Mathilde are enjoying their triumph, the Marquis receives a letter that slanders Julien, signed by Madame de Rênal. Julien sees his dream of fulfillment shatter in an instant and harbors resentment. He returns to Verrières and shoots Madame de Rênal while she is praying in the church, and is immediately arrested. In prison, Julien is freed from all vulgar ambitions and rekindles his romance with the recovered Madame de Rênal. He deeply regrets his crimes and decides to take his own life to atone for them. During his trial, he calmly declares, "I intended to murder, and according to the law, I deserve the death penalty." Then, as a commoner, he accuses the ruling class, represented by the judges and jury, of reaction and suppression of the people. Julien is ultimately sentenced to death. After Julien's death, Mathilde holds his head and holds a grand funeral, while Madame de Rênal, embracing her child, passes away three days later! This tape is the accompanying audio for Red and Black in the Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader series. It includes 4 tapes.