The term 'The Red and the Black' is a reference to the novel of the same name by Stendhal, which was published in 1830. The novel follows the story of Julien Sorel, a young man from a rural family who attempts to rise socially through a combination of cunning and hard work. The crossword solution for this term is SEAS, which stands for Society, Education, Ambition, and Seduction, which are all themes explored in the novel.