The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830

"The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830" by Stendhal is a story about a young man's burning desire to rise above his station in life despite being held back by the rigid rules of society. Set in France after Napoleon, the story begins in a small town where we meet Julien Sorel, a young tutor who dreams of more than his humble beginnings allow. The book looks at themes of social class, wanting to succeed, and the complicated feelings people have, especially as we see Julien trying to find his place within the household of Monsieur de Rênal, the mayor of the town, who gains status and wealth from his business successes. Julien, someone who is both caring and strongly motivated, must carefully manage relationships and think about how to overcome his origins in order to achieve a higher position in the world.