Hypocrisy
On the pages of the novel author shows us a real life of France in XIX century. People had to play a role, had to fake or hide their feelings to get a place that was comfortable and assured There was a strict distinction between social levels. A rich boy couldn’t marry a girl from poor and not famous family; everybody lied to each other, being pleasant with people who could bring some benefit; people were obsessed with money, wealth, acceptance. “Ever since Napoleon’s fall, provincial manner rigidly suppress anything that smacked of gallantry. People are afraid of being dismissed from office. Rogues turn to the Congregation of the Holy Virgin for support, and hypocrisy has made excellent progress, even among the liberal classes. Boredom grows and grows. The only pleasure left are reading and farming”.
Love
The whole novel is filled with love. Firstly, Julien’s love to the mayor’s wife, that without any doubt was forbidden. This love was true and passionate, with faithful emotions, which made the lovers to forget about everything, they just were happy in such a sensitive feeling. “Julien turned quickly and, struck by the charm of Madame de Renal’s expression, lost a bit of his shyness. And then, stunned by her beauty, he forgot everything, even what he was doing there”. Another love story is between Julien and Matilda. This feeling was fake from Julien’s side, he forced himself to express the love to Matilda to get the money and business of her father, who could gave him a job, a lot of money and, as a result, the life of his dream. So almost all the choices and decisions were depended on love.
Happiness
All the characters of the novel wanted to by happy and satisfied with their lives. The mayor of the Verrieres wanted to be the richest and successful person in the town, his wife married him with desire to join the elite of society. Julien wanted to leave the Verrieres forever and have more prosperous life, he wanted his talent to be noticed and exalted. Matilda wanted to be happy with Julien, she adored him and loved with all her heart. All the characters were doing everything possible to bring their dreams in life. Happiness for each of them meant something special.
