The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background OCo all to help you gain greater insight into great works you're bound to study for school or pleasure."CliffsNotes on The Red and the Black" fictionalizes and elaborates an actual happening concerning the murder of a local dignitary in church. The novel's political and social dimensions ran deep, foreseeing the revolution that overthrew the Bourbon dynasty of France in 1830 (although the novel was written in 1829, Stendhal dared not publish it until 1831).In this study guide, you'll find Life and Background of the Author, A Brief Synopsis, Lists of Characters, and more: Critical CommentariesCharacter AnalysesCritical EssaysEssay Topics and Review QuestionsSelected BibliographyClassic literature or modern-day treasure OCo you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides."