Red and black

The novel "Red and Black" is one of the best works of the famous French writer Stendhal (1783-1842). His hero, Julien Sorel, entered world literature as the personification of unruly, freedom-loving youth. Sorel entered an independent life after the fall of Napoleon, during the Bourbon Restoration. Under Napoleon, a gifted young man might have made a military career. But in his time, he saw the only opportunity to advance in society was to become a priest after graduating from the theological seminary. In Sorel's soul, foolish inclinations and humanity, cold calculation and romantic sensibility conflict. Love intrigue and ambitious dreams lead him to the guillotine.