A Portrait by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who has been institutionalized for her supposed mental illness. The narrative explores the themes of isolation, loneliness, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. Through the protagonist's inner monologue, the reader gains insight into her thoughts and feelings as she navigates the confines of her institution. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the woman's perceptions of the world are distorted by her experiences and the societal expectations placed upon her. Her interactions with the people around her serve to reinforce this distortion, highlighting the ways in which societal norms can contribute to the erosion of individual identity. The narrative raises questions about the nature of reality and the reliability of perception, leaving the reader to ponder the extent to which the protagonist's experiences are a product of her own mind or a reflection of the world around her.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 1,874 words
Editions
First lines
"Look, there's Milial," said someone near me. I looked at the man they were pointing out, for I had long wanted to make the acquaintance of this Don Juan.
He was no longer young. His grey hair, a shaggy grey, was a little like one of those skin caps that certain Northern races wear on their heads, and his fine, rather long beard, falling to his chest, also bore a resemblance to fur. He was talking to a woman, leaning towards her, speaking in a low voice, while he looked at her with a tender gaze, eloquent of homage and affection.
What this Textopian page supports
A Portrait is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Realism, Romance, Drama
- Length: 1,874 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Portrait by Guy De Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of human relationships, identity, and emotional depth, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological aspects of attraction and the nature of intimacy, focusing on the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters.
- Realism — The portrayal of characters and settings reflects a realistic depiction of life and social interactions, emphasizing authenticity.
- Romance — The underlying themes of attraction and emotional connection between characters suggest elements of romance.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Family Dynamics · Identity Crisis · Mental Health · Isolation · Loneliness