Chapter 4 of “Le Rouge et le Noir” by Stendhal explores the character of Julien Sorel, the protagonist of the novel. The chapter delves into Julien’s background, his aspirations, and his struggles to achieve his goals.
Julien is a young man from a poor family who dreams of rising above his station in life. He is intelligent and ambitious, but he is also arrogant and lacks social skills. Julien’s desire for success leads him to seek employment as a tutor for the children of the wealthy de Rênal family.
Despite his lack of experience, Julien impresses the de Rênals with his knowledge and wit. He also becomes infatuated with Madame de Rênal, the wife of his employer. Julien’s feelings for Madame de Rênal are complicated, and he struggles to reconcile his desire for her with his ambition to succeed in life.
As the chapter progresses, Julien’s relationship with Madame de Rênal becomes more intense, and he begins to see her as a means to achieve his goals. However, he also realizes that his feelings for her are genuine, and he is torn between his love for her and his desire for success.
Overall, chapter 4 of “Le Rouge et le Noir” explores the themes of ambition, love, and social class. It shows how these forces can shape a person’s life and how they can lead to both success and heartbreak. For a pupil aged seventeen, this chapter can serve as a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams.
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