A Mesalliance by Guy de Maupassant
The novel revolves around the marriage of a young woman to an older man who is significantly wealthier than her family. The union is seen as a strategic move by both parties, with the woman's family gaining financial security and the older man securing a younger partner. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the relationship between the couple is not based on love or mutual respect, but rather on convenience and social status. The woman struggles to adapt to her new life, feeling trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who is more interested in his business dealings than in her well-being. The novel explores themes of class, social mobility, and the constraints placed on women during this time period. Through the characters' experiences, it highlights the difficulties faced by those seeking to improve their socio-economic status through marriage.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Social Commentary · 3,204 words
First lines
It is a generally acknowledged truth, that the prerogatives of the nobility are only maintained at the present time through the weakness of the middle classes, and many of these who have established themselves and their families by their intellect, industry and struggles, get into a state of bliss, which reminds those who see it, of intoxication, as soon as they are permitted to enter aristocratic circles, or can be seen in public with barons and counts; and above all, when these treat them in a friendly manner, no matter from what motive, or when they see a prospect of a daughter of theirs driving in a carriage with armorial bearings on the panels, as a countess.
What this Textopian page supports
A Mesalliance is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 3,204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Mesalliance 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 Mesalliance?
- How does this novella by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Family by Guy De Maupassant
- Cope In Double Danger by Henry Blake Fuller
- The Duchesse Of Langeais by Honore De Balzac
- A Good Match by Guy De Maupassant
- The Silence by John Galsworthy
- The Deserted Woman by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional conflicts and personal relationships, particularly the tragic consequences of a socially mismatched marriage.
- Romance — Central to the story is a romantic relationship that begins with passion and ends in disillusionment, highlighting themes of love and betrayal.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and class distinctions, particularly the allure and pitfalls of marrying into nobility.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall and the irreversible consequences of her decisions align with the elements of a tragic narrative.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love Triangle · Family Drama · Class Conflict · Romance · Tragedy · Betrayal · Deception · Morality