The Red and the Black Dissatisfaction Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"Sometimes, I've seen Mademoiselle de La Mole yawning, though she ought to be used to the attentions of the regular guests." (2.4.21)

Julien knows that Mathilde is bored at all of her family's parties. He's surprised that she's not used to her lifestyle yet, but the truth is that no one can get used to living in such a phony world. That's why Mathilde decides to start a romantic relationship with Julien, if only to experience a little change from what she's used to.

Quote #8

He had no sooner put down his pen than he fell into the grip of deadly boredom. (2.5.7)

Julien gets infected by the boredom of the de La Mole house. There's no stopping it. The feeling just seeps into him from the moment he gets there. That's what happens when your only day-to-day concern is killing time instead of killing your dinner (like a peasant would).

Quote #9

It was the withering effect of a politeness that was wonderful, but never unguarded, perfectly calibrated to social status: this was the mark of high society. But no feeling heart could ignore its artificiality. (2.5.7)

Julien can feel Mathilde de La Mole's dissatisfaction to the core from the moment he meets her. This dissatisfaction might have something to do with the fact that Mathilde's entire life is defined by superficial things like politeness and money.