A Vagabond by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who has abandoned his life of luxury and comfort to live on the streets. He becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures with various people he encounters, including a woman who takes him in for a short time. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the protagonist's decision to leave behind his comfortable existence is motivated by a desire for freedom and escape from societal expectations. However, this newfound independence proves to be more difficult than he anticipated, and he struggles to cope with the harsh realities of life on the streets. Throughout the story, themes of alienation, loneliness, and the search for meaning are explored in depth. The protagonist's experiences serve as a commentary on the social ills of his time, including poverty, inequality, and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Ultimately, the narrative builds towards a tragic conclusion that underscores the devastating consequences of the protagonist's choices.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Realism, Naturalism, Psychological Fiction · 5,239 words
First lines
He was a journeyman carpenter, a good workman and a steady fellow, twenty-seven years old, but, although the eldest son, Jacques Randel had been forced to live on his family for two months, owing to the general lack of work. He had walked about seeking work for over a month and had left his native town, Ville-Avary, in La Manche, because he could find nothing to do and would no longer deprive his family of the bread they needed themselves, when he was the strongest of them all. His two sisters earned but little as charwomen. He went and inquired at the town hall, and the mayor's secretary told him that he would find work at the Labor Agency, and so he started, well provided with papers and certificates, and carrying another pair of shoes, a pair of trousers and a shirt in a blue handkerchief at the end of his stick.
What this Textopian page supports
A Vagabond is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Naturalism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 5,239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Vagabond by Guy de Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Vagabond?
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- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on the everyday life and struggles of a common man, depicting the harsh realities of poverty and unemployment.
- Naturalism — The story explores the deterministic nature of the protagonist's life, emphasizing the influence of environment and social conditions on human behavior.
- Psychological Fiction — The text delves into the mental state and internal conflicts of the protagonist, highlighting his desperation and moral dilemmas.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal attitudes towards poverty and the lack of empathy for the underprivileged.
Tags
FrenchLiterature · Realism · ShortStory · PsychologicalInsight · SocialCommentary · VagabondLife · Poverty · Loneliness · Isolation · HumanCondition · ExistentialCrisis · PhilosophicalThemes