"The Red and the Black" is a novel by Stendhal, published in 1830. It follows the life of Julien Sorel, a young man from a modest background who aspires to rise in social status during the post-Napoleonic era in France. The title symbolizes the two paths Julien can take: the military (red) and the clerical (black). The story explores themes of ambition, love, and hypocrisy as Julien navigates the complexities of society. His relationships with women, particularly Madame de Rênal and Mathilde de la Mole, reveal his internal struggles and the societal constraints of his time.