Abstract
<p>The article aims to grasp the role of the symbolic code in the scaffolding of the narrative unity of Le Rouge et le Noir, through the theme of the horse. Although the symbolic dimension seems excluded from Stendhal's poetics (Racine &amp; Shakspeare), and many of its commentators criticize it for « a writing without images », equestrian themes and symbols nevertheless play a central role in as elements guaranteeing the coherence of the narrative discourse. The article first presents the symbolic potentialities underlying the Stendhalian poetics of the novel. Then, the topos of the horse is presented both as a theme and as a symbol in the narrative structure of the Le Rouge et le Noir. Finally, the use of symbolism in Le Rouge et le Noir is seen as a tool to confess the fictional artifice itself, so as to compromise the "perfect illusion" of the fiction and, therefore, prevent any complete identification of the readership with the figure of Julien.</p>
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
