A Cremation by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She brings with her a new husband and a sense of independence that unsettles the patriarchal household. As tensions rise, the family's dark secrets begin to surface, threatening to destroy their carefully constructed facade. The narrative explores themes of social class, morality, and the constraints placed on women during this period. The author critiques the societal norms that govern relationships between men and women, highlighting the hypocrisy and double standards that exist within these structures. Through a series of events, the story builds towards a tragic confrontation that exposes the true nature of the family's dynamics. The climax is marked by a sense of inevitability, as the characters' actions lead to a devastating outcome that underscores the destructive power of unchecked desires and societal expectations.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Realism, Cultural Fiction, Short Story · 2,633 words
First lines
Last Monday an Indian prince died at Etretat, Bapu Sahib Khanderao Ghatay, a relation of His Highness, the Maharajah Gaikwar, prince of Baroda, in the province of Guzerat, Presidency of Bombay.
For about three weeks there had been seen walking in the streets about ten young East Indians, small, lithe, with dark skins, dressed all in gray and wearing on their heads caps such as English grooms wear. They were men of high rank who had come to Europe to study the military institutions of the principal Western nations. The little band consisted of three princes, a nobleman, an interpreter and three servants.
What this Textopian page supports
A Cremation is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Cultural Fiction, Short Story, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,633 words
- Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Cremation by Guy de Maupassant
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Cremation?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on a realistic depiction of cultural practices and societal reactions, emphasizing detailed observation and social commentary.
- Cultural Fiction — The story explores cultural differences and rituals, particularly the Hindu cremation ceremony, highlighting the clash between Eastern and Western customs.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that centers on a specific event, characteristic of the short story format.
- Drama — The narrative contains dramatic elements, such as the tension surrounding the cremation and the reactions of the townspeople.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Existential Crisis · Mortality · Death · Cremation · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair · Philosophical Themes