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I really like this Stendhal character. He may have written in the 1800's, but his prose is far easier to grasp and enjoy than other authors of the period. His writing is bold, emotional, and unafraid to speak its mind truthfully on many of the matters society chooses to ignore in order to benefit itself. It reads like an intellectual rant at times, angry and scathing and ultimately delightful in its keen critique of the hypocrisies that riddle the world of the novel. And what better way of exploring these issues than through Julien, a peasant from the province who rose to prominence, capturing not one but two of the most elevated hearts among the nobility. And what contrast between the two women! What is amazing about these love affairs is that the actions of the lovers are no less ridiculous than those of many literary romances, but Stendhal explores the reasoning behind them so thoroughly that it reads not like silly interactions, but like logical results of the characters' upbringings and educational experiences. It makes the ultimate conclusion that much more sorrowful, to know the characters were well and fully trapped in their reasoning taken mostly from books of historical prowess as well as philosophical teachings. They never had the real world experience to know that what works in writing rarely works in practice, and it takes an unfortunate end to teach them this. Plot points aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this social critique, one that didn't bother to fully hide behind its story, but thrust out its opinions in a manner that would stir the heart of any reader.

2022-11-14 16:29