A Wedding Gift by Guy de Maupassant

Name: A Wedding Gift
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a young couple's wedding day and the gift they receive from an old man who has been watching them from afar. The gift is a small, intricately carved wooden box that holds sentimental value for the giver. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the old man's motivations for giving the gift are rooted in his own unrequited love and sense of isolation. Through the couple's interactions with each other and with the old man, the story explores themes of love, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships. The tale is a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into the emotional lives of its characters and raising questions about the nature of love and connection in a seemingly indifferent world.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Tragedy · 2,458 words

First lines

For a long time Jacques Bourdillere had sworn that he would never marry, but he suddenly changed his mind. It happened suddenly, one summer, at the seashore.

What this Textopian page supports

A Wedding Gift is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Realism, Psychological Fiction
Length: 2,458 words
Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The story revolves around intense emotional experiences, personal conflicts, and moral dilemmas, characteristic of dramatic narratives.
Romance — The plot is driven by themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of romantic entanglements.
Tragedy — The narrative includes elements of misfortune and sorrow, particularly with the death of a character and the resulting emotional turmoil.
Realism — The writing style and depiction of characters and events are grounded in realistic portrayals of human behavior and societal norms.