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

Author: (French) Stendhal
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The novel depicts the personal struggle and ultimate failure of the protagonist Julien, especially his two romantic experiences. Virey is a beautiful city in the department of Franche-Comté, France. The story begins here. The ambitious Julien is the son of a local farmer. Although he admires Napoleon in his heart, in the context of the restored monarchy, he believes that becoming a clergyman is the only path to success for commoners. Therefore, he resolves to enter the church. He studies diligently, despite his father, Father Sorel, doing everything in his power to obstruct and torment him. With his inflated ambition and exceptional memory, he acquires profound knowledge and extraordinary talent. The mayor of Virey, Monsieur de Rênal, learns of his intelligence and hires him as a private tutor for the children. During this time, he becomes infatuated with the mayor's wife, Madame de Rênal, and uses her innocence and ignorance to seduce her. When the two are deeply immersed in their 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 in Besan?on. He excels and earns the favor of Father Pirard, the seminary director. Later, thanks to the director's strong recommendation, he is appointed as the private secretary to the prominent political figure, the Marquis de La Mole. The Marquis highly appreciates Julien's talent and places great trust in him, sending him to Paris to handle a very important matter. The Marquis's daughter, Mathilde, who is extremely proud and arrogant, is deeply attracted to Julien, despite his humble origins and his spirited, defiant nature. After several emotional twists and turns, Julien finally wins Mathilde's heart. Meanwhile, she discovers that she is pregnant with Julien's child. She decides, despite her father's strong opposition, to marry Julien and, in the end, 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 newfound happiness, the Marquis receives a letter that slanders Julien, signed by Madame de Rênal. Julien sees his dream of fulfillment shatter instantly and harbors resentment. He returns to Virey 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 the recovered Madame de Rênal. He deeply regrets his crime and decides to atone for it with his life. During his trial, he calmly declares, "I deliberately 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 oppression against 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 the child, passes away three days later!