Why did Stendhal's contemporaries struggle to appreciate his writing?

Stendhal’s contemporaries struggled to appreciate his writing primarily because his nimble, ironic sensibility and unconventional style were difficult for them to grasp. While he was well-regarded in salons for his conversational wit and political commentary, his novels were often perceived as baffling.1

His literary approach presented several challenges to the readers of his time:

• Stylistic Complexity: His prosaic and ironic style often masked the intensity and profundity of his vision, making his works appear enigmatic at first glance.1
• Psychological Depth: Unlike traditional authors who relied on fixed characterizations, Stendhal depicted individuals in a state of constant becoming, which required a level of psychological sophistication that was ahead of his era.1
• Provocative Contradictions: His personal philosophy, which he termed "Beylisme," blended hedonism with moral indignation and rational skepticism with emotional surrender. This mix of traits, combined with his status as a romantic who kept his distance from Romanticism, created a blend of contradictions that his contemporaries found provocative rather than accessible.1

Ultimately, it was not until the late 19th century that his genius was widely recognized, largely due to the efforts of dedicated followers known as "Beylistes".1