A Divorce Case by Guy de Maupassant

Name: A Divorce Case
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a middle-aged man who seeks to divorce his wife due to her infidelity. He hires a lawyer and begins the process of obtaining a divorce. However, he soon realizes that the law does not allow for easy divorces, and he must navigate a complex system in order to achieve his goal. As the case progresses, the husband's motivations are called into question by the lawyer and others involved in the proceedings. The story raises questions about the nature of marriage, fidelity, and the role of women in society during this time period. The narrative is presented through a series of conversations between the characters, which provides insight into their thoughts and feelings on the matter. The tone of the story is dry and detached, reflecting the societal norms of the time. Ultimately, the husband's desire for divorce is granted, but not before he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the societal expectations placed upon him.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction · 2,976 words

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First lines

M. Chassel advocate, rises to speak: Mr. President and gentlemen of the jury. The cause that I am charged to defend before you, requires medicine rather than justice; and is much more a case of pathology than a case of ordinary law. At first blush the facts seem very simple.

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A Divorce Case is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1883 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Tragedy
Length: 2,976 words
Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Psychological Fiction — Explores the mental state and inner turmoil of the protagonist, focusing on his psychological condition and its impact on his marriage.
Drama — Centers around the emotional and relational conflict between the protagonist and his wife, highlighting the dramatic breakdown of their marriage.
Literary Fiction — Emphasizes complex character development and thematic depth, with a focus on existential and philosophical questions.
Romanticism — Incorporates elements of idealized love and beauty, as well as a focus on the protagonist's emotional and imaginative experiences.