A Walk by Guy De Maupassant (1887)
The story revolves around a young man who takes a walk along the Seine River to clear his mind after being rejected by a woman he loves. He reflects on their relationship and the reasons for her rejection, ultimately concluding that she was not worthy of him due to her lack of passion and sincerity. The narrative is a commentary on the societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals, particularly men, during this time period.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 2,453 words
First lines
When old Levas, bookkeeper in the service of Messrs. Labuze and Company, left the shop, he stood for some moments dazzled by the brilliance of the setting sun. All day long he had worked in the yellow light of a gas-jet, in the depths of the back part of the shop, which looked on to a courtyard as narrow and deep as a well. So dark was the little room in which he had spent his days for the past forty years that, even in the height of summer, artificial light was rarely to be dispensed with between the hours of twelve and three.
It was always damp and cold there; and the smell from the ditch under the window came into the gloomy room, filling it with an odour of decay and drains.
What this Textopian page supports
A Walk is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,453 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Walk by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Walk?
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- A Stroll by Guy De Maupassant
- Agafya by Anton Chekhov
- Letter Found On A Drowned Man by Guy De Maupassant
- The First Fall Of Snow by Guy De Maupassant
- Little Roque by Guy De Maupassant
- In Exile by Anton Chekhov
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of existential despair, monotony, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings, highlighting his emotional struggles and isolation.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life, social issues, and the stark realities of the protagonist's existence aligns with the principles of realism.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's life culminates in a tragic end, reflecting themes of hopelessness and despair.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Loneliness · Isolation · Nature · Solitude