How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"At sixteen, Madame de Rênal, rich heiress of a devoted aunt, was married to a well-bred gentleman, having neither experienced nor witnessed, at any time in her life, anything that resembled in the slightest the word of love." (1.7.59)
Madame de Rênal has no clue what love is. She got married very young and never really thought about it all that much. This is all just a setup for the moment when she realizes that she's in love with Julien Sorel.
Quote #2
Suddenly, a word frightened her: adulteress. She could see it. The worst things that the vilest debauchery could stamp on the notion of sensual love swarmed into her mind. (1.11.14)
Madame de Rênal has spent her whole life doing everything right. That's why she's so disgusted and terrified when she thinks of herself as an adulteress. Then again, she knows that if she had it all to do over again, she'd still be with Julien.
Quote #3
"I'm not going to deprive myself of my wife, she's much too useful to me." (1.21.22)
Monsieur de Rênal ain't exactly the romantic type. Even when he's presented with the thought that his wife is having an affair, he can't bear to get rid of her. But this isn't because he loves her so much, but because he finds her "useful" and easy to get along with.