The Red and the Black Part 1, Chapter 16 Summary

The Day After

  • The day after Julien and Madame de Rênal have slept together, they barely make eye contact when they sit down for lunch. Madame starts to worry that he's not looking at her because he's no longer interested.
  • Madame de Rênal's cousin M. Derville sees that something is going on between them and makes sure to always get between them while they're hanging out that day.
  • The next night at 1 a.m., Julien sneaks back into Madame's room for more sex.
  • Julien becomes comfortable with talking to Madame about his doubts and anxieties. It only brings them closer together.
  • Madame often thinks that she should have married a man more like Julien, with a poetic soul.
  • Madame Derville becomes fed up with her cousin's foolish flirtations with Julien. She leaves one day without any explanation. Madame de Rênal isn't sad to see her go. Now she gets to be alone with Julien all the time.