Scarlet+&+Black

=Scarlet and Black (Penguin Readers, Level 6)= by [|Duncan Campbell-Smith], [|Stendhal] Julian Sorel is a carpenter's son born and brought up deep in provincial France. He's very ambitious and keen to leave behind his violent and hateful father and carve out for himself a glittering career in Paris. Fired by the deeds of Napoleon, the dictator is no more during the period this book covers and loyalty to him is dangerous, Sorrel sets about entering the church as his only way of advancing without money or background.
 * Scarlet & Black: ****

He is undone by love for two women. The first older than him. The second the same age but spoilt and selfish. The book traces the appalling effects love can have on all concerned. It shows how love can create an insurmountable urge to self delusion and pain. Along the way Stendhal dissects the personalities involved showing us why they do what they do.

It's bittersweet but also very funny. Black humour that make you laugh at the misfortune of others whilst clearly seeing how easy it would be to fall into the same traps.

** Exercises: **