Stendhal, a pen name for a French writer often at odds with English sensibilities, stands alongside literary giants like Balzac and Flaubert. Frequently defying genre classification, he is seen by some as a Romantic and by others as a Modernist, with *Le Rouge et Le Noir* hailed as the first modern novel. One thing is certain this literary masterpiece chronicles the journey of Julien Sorel, a young theology student who is intelligent, handsome, and fiercely ambitious, determined to transcend his humble peasant roots. Stendhal skillfully weaves a satirical narrative filled with passion, intrigue, unexpected twists, and a keen critique of societal hypocrisy. (Summary by sailormoon)