A Parricide by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who murders his father and then attempts to cover up the crime by making it appear as though he was killed by a group of bandits. The protagonist's actions are driven by a desire for financial gain, as well as a sense of resentment towards his father. As the investigation unfolds, the protagonist's web of deceit begins to unravel, revealing a complex and troubled relationship between him and his father. Through a series of flashbacks, the narrative explores the events that led up to the murder, including the protagonist's feelings of abandonment and neglect by his father. The novel raises questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of one's actions, as well as the societal pressures that can drive individuals to commit crimes. The story is a commentary on the social class system of the time, highlighting the tensions between the wealthy elite and the working class. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist's character is revealed to be increasingly unstable and erratic, making it difficult for the reader to distinguish between truth and fiction. Ultimately, the novel builds towards a tragic conclusion that underscores the devastating consequences of the protagonist's actions.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Psychological Drama, Crime Fiction, Social Commentary · 2,761 words
Editions
First lines
Counsel for the defence had pleaded insanity. How else was this strange crime to be accounted for?
One morning, in the reeds near Chaton, two bodies had been found locked in each other's arms, those of a man and his wife. They were a couple well known in society, wealthy, no longer young, and only married the previous year, the woman having lost her first husband three years before.
What this Textopian page supports
A Parricide is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Drama, Crime Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,761 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Parricide by Guy De Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- A Parricide by Guy De Maupassant
- Room No Eleven by Guy De Maupassant
- The Substitute by Guy De Maupassant
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- The Assassin by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Psychological Drama — The narrative delves deeply into the mental state of the protagonist, exploring themes of identity, abandonment, and the psychological impact of parricide.
- Crime Fiction — The plot centers around a murder trial, focusing on the crime of parricide and the legal and moral implications surrounding it.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms, class struggles, and the consequences of neglect and abandonment, reflecting on the broader social issues of the time.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's actions lead to a tragic outcome, highlighting themes of fate, revenge, and the consequences of one's past.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · French Literature · Short Story · Crime Fiction · Mystery · Dark Humor · Social Commentary · Family Dynamics · Parricide · Murder Mystery · Guilt and Shame · Morality Play