A Vendetta by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who seeks revenge for the death of his father at the hands of a wealthy and influential family. The protagonist's quest for vengeance becomes an all-consuming force in his life, leading him to commit increasingly violent acts. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the vendetta is not just about personal revenge but also about social justice. The young man's actions are motivated by a desire to expose the corruption and hypocrisy of the wealthy elite. Throughout the story, the author explores themes of morality, class struggle, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. The narrative builds towards a tragic conclusion that highlights the devastating consequences of allowing personal vendettas to consume one's life. The story is a commentary on the social ills of the time, including the corrupting influence of wealth and power. It also raises questions about the morality of revenge and whether it can ever be justified in the pursuit of justice.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1886 · Genre: Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Drama · 1,968 words
Editions
First lines
Paolo Saverini's widow lived alone with her son in a poor little house on the ramparts of Bonifacio. The town, built on a spur of the mountains, in places actually overhanging the sea, looks across a channel bristling with reefs, to the lower shores of Sardinia. At its foot, on the other side and almost completely surrounding it, is the channel that serves as its harbour, cut in the cliff like a gigantic corridor. Through a long circuit between steep walls, the channel brings to the very foot of the first houses the little Italian or Sardinian fishing-boats, and, every fortnight, the old steamboat that runs to and from Ajaccio.
What this Textopian page supports
A Vendetta is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Drama, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Thriller
- Length: 1,968 words
- Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Vendetta by Guy De Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Queen Hortense by Guy De Maupassant
- An Avenger by Anton Chekhov
- La Grande Breteche by Honore De Balzac
- Revenge by Guy De Maupassant
- The Man Within by Graham Greene
- A Wifes Confession by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on themes of loss, revenge, and the consequences of violence, embodying the essence of tragic storytelling.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional and psychological themes, focusing on character development and moral dilemmas.
- Drama — The intense emotional conflicts and character interactions drive the plot, making it a dramatic exploration of vengeance.
- Gothic Fiction — The dark themes, isolation, and the presence of death contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Vengeance · Revenge Tragedy · Darkness · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Family Secrets · Betrayal · Obsession