The Romantic Machiavelli: Julien Sorel in ‘The Red and the Black’

In the complex tapestry of Stendhal’s 1830 psychological novel “The Red and The Black” Julien Sorel emerges as a compelling study of ambition and cunning. The humble yet resourceful protagonist traverses the class-divided landscape of post-Napoleonic France, a journey brought to life by his relationships with two pivotal women – Madame de Rênal and Mathilde de La Mole.

Madame de Rênal, emblematic of the innocent provincial bourgeoisie, provides Sorel his first taste of upward mobility, her affection born from his charm and a shared longing for emotional respite. In contrast, Mathilde de La Mole, an embodiment of unyielding aristocracy, finds herself ensnared in Sorel’s strategic web of indifference, highlighting his intellectual prowess.

These dynamic relationships, underpinned by manipulation and Sorel’s strategic navigation of societal norms, throw into sharp relief the era’s class mobility struggle. As we delve deeper into the labyrinth of Sorel’s relations, we will explore how they encapsulate broader themes of ambition, manipulation, class, and love, a testament to Stendhal’s nuanced portrayal of human relationships amidst societal transitions. And most importantly, we will review the tactical elements behind Sorel’s strategy which remain as valid and effective in the 21st century as they were in the 19th.

The Courtship of Madame de Rênal

The first of Julien Sorel’s two major relationships is with Madame de Rênal, the wife of Monsieur de Rênal, the mayor of Verrières in whose family Julien is employed as a tutor.

Madame de Rênal is a woman trapped in a loveless marriage and unfulfilled life characterized by the domestic routine and societal norms. Julien’s arrival as a tutor offers a breath of fresh air and an escape from her monotonous existence. Julien recognizes this opportunity to win over Madame de Rênal and uses it masterfully.

At first, Julien plays the role of an innocent and diligent tutor, earning the trust and respect of the entire family. He presents himself as intellectually superior yet respectful and humble, a performance calculated to appeal to Madame de Rênal’s sense of pity and her desire for companionship. His youth, energy, and vitality contrast with her husband’s dullness and age. The simplicity and sincerity of his manner, his respect for religion, and his supposedly selfless dedication to the children’s education impress Madame de Rênal.

Julien is aware of the romantic novels Madame de Rênal reads and knows she yearns for the romantic love depicted in these stories. Recognizing this, he projects himself as the embodiment of the passionate and youthful lovers from these novels. He subtly flirts with her, creating an atmosphere of tension and excitement, appealing to her suppressed desires for love and passion. For example, Julien often arranges to be alone with her, creating opportunities for intimacy.

As the relationship progresses, Julien employs a more strategic approach. He feigns indifference and jealousy to ignite Madame de Rênal’s passions further. For instance, Julien pretends to be in love with a maid in the Rênal household, inciting jealousy in Madame de Rênal and making her more conscious of her feelings towards him.

Once the affair is initiated, Julien ensures its continuity by constantly stoking Madame de Rênal’s emotions. He creates drama and conflict, often feigning distress or aloofness to elicit Madame de Rênal’s sympathy or anxiety. For example, he stages a scene where he is ready to leave the Rênal house because of the guilt he feels for his illicit love, manipulating Madame de Rênal into pleading him to stay.

Julien’s use of emotional manipulation is evident when Madame de Rênal’s suspicions are aroused by a letter revealing the illicit relationship. Julien convinces her that the letter is a scheme orchestrated by a jealous rival, playing on her emotions and twisting the situation to his advantage. However, Julien’s approach is not purely cynical.

Although his actions are calculated, there are moments of genuine affection and tenderness towards Madame de Rênal. He appreciates her kindness, warmth, and her genuine affection towards him, which contrast starkly with the cold opportunism and hypocrisy he sees in the rest of society. This complexity in Julien’s character makes him an intriguing figure and enhances the richness of his relationship with Madame de Rênal.

The Seduction of Mathilde de La Mole

Julien Sorel’s affair with Mathilde de La Mole, the second of his major relationships in Stendhal’s “The Red and the Black,” takes place in the high-society Parisian context, is more complex than his first and demands more sophistication and cunning.

Mathilde is the daughter of the Marquis de La Mole, who employs Julien as his secretary. She is characterized by her intelligence, beauty, and a fierce independence, characteristics that set her apart from the women Julien has encountered so far. However, what marks her most is her desire to rebel against the conventions of her aristocratic class, making her an ideal target for Julien’s strategies.

Calculated Indifference

Julien’s initial approach with Mathilde is completely different from that with Madame de Rênal. Recognizing that Mathilde is attracted to the unconventional, he begins by acting aloof and indifferent, contrary to the adoration shown by men of her social sphere. Julien cleverly emulates the characteristics of the heroes in the medieval romances that Mathilde adores. He presents himself as a man of passion and ambition, characteristics that are particularly appealing to Mathilde, who is used to the shallow courtship rituals of her social class.

Julien also exploits Mathilde’s desire to defy societal norms. He presents himself as socially inferior, a bold move that further intrigues Mathilde, as it defies the expectations of her social class. For instance, when Mathilde first expresses her love for him, Julien rejects her, a daring move that piques Mathilde’s interest and challenges her accustomed sense of superiority.

Exploiting Secretive Romance, Jealousy, and Marriage

After the affair begins, Julien employs more intricate psychological manipulations to maintain Mathilde’s interest. Recognizing that Mathilde’s love is tied to her sense of pride and rebellion, he keeps their relationship a secret, thereby preserving the illicit nature of their affair and maintaining Mathilde’s interest.

Julien also shows a deep understanding of Mathilde’s psychology when he calculates that she will be more inclined to commit if she believes she is losing him. To this end, he feigns interest in other women and orchestrates a fake love letter from an imaginary English lover, which stokes Mathilde’s jealousy and secures her commitment. Finally, when Mathilde becomes pregnant with his child, Julien convinces her to reveal her pregnancy to her father, knowing it will secure his position in society.

However, Julien’s manipulations of Mathilde are not devoid of genuine emotion. His attraction to Mathilde is not purely strategic, but also fueled by her intelligence and independence. These qualities set her apart from the other women in her social class and hold a certain allure for Julien.

How to Court Women like Julien Sorel: Tactical Breakdown

Examining Julien Sorel’s conquests in “The Red and the Black,” we can clearly discern a range of fluid and adaptive strategies and tactics that could be applied universally to succeed in romantic engagements. Let’s consider them one by one.

Know Your Target

The first, most crucial aspect of Julien’s success is his ability to comprehend the psychology, desires, and expectations of the women he interacts with. With both Madame de Rênal and Mathilde, he spends considerable time understanding their characters, inclinations, and vulnerabilities before he initiates his romantic endeavors. This allows him to cater his approach specifically to the woman he’s dealing with instead of applying a one-size-fits-all method.

Adapt to the Circumstances

Julien exhibits an uncanny ability to adapt to changing situations. He tailors his behavior based on the societal context, emotional state of the woman, and the progression of the relationship. For instance, with Madame de Rênal, he’s initially docile and innocent, mirroring her own temperament. In contrast, with Mathilde, he dons the facade of a brooding romantic hero, aligning with her fantasies. This adaptability makes him appealing to a variety of women, as he can mold himself to become what they desire.

Use Contrast

Julien uses contrast as a tool to stand out. Whether it’s his humble origins in a world of aristocracy, his intellectual prowess among the unlearned, or his audacity in a conformist society, he leverages his uniqueness to intrigue and attract women who are otherwise surrounded by homogeneity.

Control Your Emotions

Throughout his relationships, Julien maintains a high degree of control over his own emotions and the display of them. This enables him to present himself in a manner that’s most effective for the situation at hand, enhancing his allure. Following the advice of the Russian count, he’s careful not to appear overly eager, instead pacing his emotional disclosures to sustain interest and intrigue.

Use Strategic Disengagement

Julien recognizes the power of absence and the resultant longing. At strategic moments, he withdraws his attention, thereby amplifying the women’s interest in him. This manipulation of availability makes him appear more desirable, as it incites both curiosity and a sense of challenge.

Capitalize on Forbidden Love

A common thread in both relationships is the element of forbidden love. Julien understands the allure of the taboo, the excitement that comes with crossing societal boundaries, and he capitalizes on this. His affairs with both women are shrouded in secrecy, adding a layer of thrill and intensifying their feelings for him.

Leverage Personal Advancements

Julien is unafraid to use his relationships as a means to personal advancement. He is strategic in using the affection the women have for him to improve his status, either through securing a good job or maneuvering himself into a favorable marriage.

Julien Sorel in Stendahl’s ‘The Red and the Black’. Conclusion

Julien’s relationships with Madame de Rênal and Mathilde de La Mole in Stendhal’s “The Red and The Black” is a masterclass in psychological manipulation blended with sincerity. His strategic use of charm, jealousy, emotional manipulation, and performance, combined with his genuine appreciation for Madame de Rênal, enables him to win her over. Later, his tactics of intrigue, emulation of romantic heroes, exploiting Mathilde’s rebellious nature, and carefully orchestrated jealousy combined with pushing Mathilde’s buttons and his readiness to defy societal norms, allow him to secure her love and achieve a meteoric rise in his social status.

It is crucial to remember that Julien’s success with these women is not a result of random luck or inherent charm alone but a consequence of his systematic, adaptable approach that could be applied universally. His understanding of the female psychology, utilization of contrast, emotional control, strategic disengagement, capitalization on the allure of forbidden love, and exploitation of personal advancements present a comprehensive tactical blueprint for romantic success which is based on universally applicable principles. His methods, while manipulative, reveal an intricate knowledge of human nature and the dynamics of romantic relationships, so the prizes he collects along the way (and denies himself in the end) are completely deserved.