A Good Match by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and gives birth to a child, but the husband's infidelity leads her to seek revenge through manipulation of his business dealings.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Social Commentary · 2,537 words
First lines
Strauss' band was playing in the saloons of the Horticultural Society, which was so full that the young cadet Hussar-sergeant Max B., who had nothing better to do on an afternoon when he was off duty than to drink a glass of good beer and to listen to a new waltz tune, had already been looking about for a seat for some time, when the head waiter, who knew him, quickly took him to an unoccupied place, and without waiting for his orders, brought him a glass of beer. A very gentlemanly-looking man, and three elegantly dressed ladies were sitting at the table.
What this Textopian page supports
A Good Match is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,537 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Good Match by Guy de Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Good Match?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Surprise by Guy De Maupassant
- Cope In Double Danger by Henry Blake Fuller
- A Daughter Of Eve by Honore De Balzac
- The Duchesse Of Langeais by Honore De Balzac
- A Mesalliance by Guy De Maupassant
- The Trousseau by Anton Chekhov
Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship between the cadet and Angelica, exploring themes of love, attraction, and emotional entanglement.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements such as emotional conflict, societal expectations, and personal disillusionment, particularly in the cadet's realization of Angelica's true intentions.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and class distinctions, highlighting the disparity between the cadet's genuine affection and Angelica's superficial motives.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, particularly the cadet's internal struggle with his feelings and the impact of Angelica's manipulation on his ideals.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Short Story · Marriage · Social Commentary · Satire · Comedy of Manners · Class Conflict · Romance · Love Triangle · Deception · Betrayal