Red and Black - Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader I (Pure English Version)

Author: Mao Ronggui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The novel describes the personal struggle and eventual failure of the protagonist Julien, particularly his two romantic experiences. Verrières is a beautiful city in the province of Franche-Comté, 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. With hard work, despite his father, Mr. Sorel, doing everything in his power to hinder and torment him, Julien acquires profound knowledge and extraordinary talent due to his inflated ambition and excellent memory. Mr. de Rênal, the mayor of Verrières, learns of his intelligence 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 uses her innocence and ignorance to seduce her. When the two are deeply immersed in passionate love, a jealous maid reveals the 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 earns 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 of the prominent political figure, the Marquis de La Mole. The Marquis highly appreciates Julien's talent, 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 background and noble spirit, as well as his vitality. 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 strong opposition, she resolutely decides to marry Julien and ultimately forces her father 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 success, 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, who is praying in the church, and is arrested on the spot. In prison, Julien is freed from all vulgar ambitions and rekindles his romance with Madame de Rênal, who has recovered from her gunshot wound. He deeply regrets his crime and decides to take his own life to atone for it. During his trial, he calmly says, "I intentionally murdered a great woman. I should be sentenced to death." 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, holding the child, passes away three days later!