A True Story by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in the military and becomes infatuated with a woman he had previously known. He begins to stalk her, eventually breaking into her home where she shoots him dead. The narrative then shifts to the woman's perspective, revealing that she was being pursued by the young man and had been planning her defense.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Realism, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 2,400 words
First lines
A gale was blowing out of doors; the autumn wind moaned and careered round the house, one of those winds which kill the last leaves and carry them off into the clouds.
The shooting-party were finishing their dinner, still in their boots, flushed, animated, and inflamed. They were Normans, of a class between the nobles and the yeomen, half country-squires, half peasants, rich and strong, capable of breaking the horns of the bulls when they catch hold of them at fairs.
What this Textopian page supports
A True Story 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: Realism, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Dark Humor
- Length: 2,400 words
- Structure: 1 section, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A True Story 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 True Story?
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative presents a detailed and unembellished depiction of everyday life and social dynamics, focusing on the characters' interactions and societal roles.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, betrayal, and social class, emphasizing character development and moral ambiguity.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and the treatment of women, reflecting on the consequences of social status and gender roles.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in loss and despair, highlighting the tragic outcomes of the characters' choices and circumstances.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Satire · Social Commentary · Dark Humor · Absurdity · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Morality Tale