Author(s)

Li Jitao ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China

Corresponding Author

Li Jitao

ABSTRACT

This thesis delves into the portrayal of gender roles and rebellion through an in-depth analysis of Julien Sorel, the protagonist of Stendhal's novel The Red and the Black. By examining Julien's character within the socio-cultural context of early 19th-century France, this study seeks to elucidate the ways in which gender norms and expectations influence his actions and decisions, particularly in his quest for social ascent and personal identity. The thesis explores how Julien navigates the constraints imposed by patriarchal society and challenges conventional notions of masculinity and femininity. Furthermore, it investigates the intersections of class, ambition, and sexuality in Julien's rebellion against societal norms, shedding light on the complexities of his character and the broader themes of the novel. Drawing on feminist theory and literary criticism, this analysis aims to offer new insights into the representation of gender and rebellion in The Red and the Black, contributing to ongoing discussions within the fields of gender studies and literary analysis.

KEYWORDS

Julien Sorel; The Red and the Black; character analysis; gender roles; rebellion

CITE THIS PAPER

Li Jitao, Gender Roles and Rebellion: Analyzing Julien's Character in Stendhal's The Red and the Black. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2024) Vol. 7: 173-180. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2024.070325.

REFERENCES

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