A Dead Woman's Secret by Guy de Maupassant

Name: A Dead Woman's Secret
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She is met with suspicion and hostility by the other characters, particularly her brother-in-law, who is determined to uncover her secrets. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the young woman has been involved in an illicit affair, which has resulted in a child out of wedlock. The brother-in-law's investigation leads him to discover the truth about the young woman's past and her relationship with the father of the child. The story explores themes of morality, class, and social status, highlighting the societal pressures that women faced during this time period.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy · 1,859 words

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First lines

She had died painlessly, tranquilly, like a woman whose life was irreproachable, and she now lay on her back in bed, with closed eyes, calm features, her long white hair carefully arranged as if she had again made her toilet ten minutes before her death, all her pale physiognomy so composed, now that she had passed away, so resigned that one felt sure a sweet soul had dwelt in that body, that this serene grandmother had spent an untroubled existence, that this virtuous woman had ended her life without any shock, without any remorse.

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A Dead Woman's Secret is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Realism, Mystery
Length: 1,859 words
Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Work identity for A Dead Woman's Secret by Guy de Maupassant
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Genres

Drama — The story focuses on intense emotional experiences and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly the children dealing with their mother's death and the revelation of her secret.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological impact of the mother's secret on her children, exploring themes of identity, morality, and familial bonds.
Tragedy — The story presents a tragic situation where the children are confronted with a painful truth about their mother, leading to a sense of loss and disillusionment.
Realism — The writing style and depiction of characters and their emotions are grounded in realistic portrayals of human behavior and societal norms.