The study is a comparative analysis of Stendhal's romantic interpretation and Flaubert's realistic interpretation of outdated myths. The first purpose of the study is to reveal the linear development of Julien Sorel and Emma Bovary in quest of their respective myths. The second is to reveal technical devices used by the authors that lead to diverse interpretations of the myths. The sources of data used in the study are Le Rouge et le noir and Madame Bovary and secondary materials concerning the two novels. The study is divided into five chapters including an introduction, two chapters that develop Julien's and Emma's respective myths, a chapter concerning technical devices used in the novels and a conclusion.