A Widow by Guy De Maupassant (1880)
The story revolves around a young widow who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and gives birth to a child, but the father's true nature is revealed when he attempts to strangle her in a fit of jealousy. The widow manages to escape and flees with her child, eventually finding refuge with a kind-hearted woman who helps her start anew. The narrative explores themes of love, marriage, class, and the societal pressures that women faced during this time period. Through the protagonist's experiences, the story highlights the limited options available to women in terms of financial security and personal freedom. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with a focus on the psychological manipulation and control exerted by the older man over his wife. The narrative builds towards a climactic confrontation that ultimately leads to the widow's liberation from her oppressive marriage.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Tragedy · 2,277 words
Editions
First lines
It was during the hunting season, at the de Banville country seat. The autumn was rainy and dull. The red leaves, instead of crackling under foot, rotted in the hollows beneath the heavy showers.
The almost leafless forest was as humid as a bathroom. When you entered it beneath the huge trees shaken by the winds, a mouldy odour, a vapour from fallen rain, soaking grass and damp earth, enveloped you. And the hunters, bending beneath this continuous downpour, the dogs with their tails hanging and their coats matted, and the young huntswomen in their close-fitting habits drenched with rain, returned each evening depressed in body and spirit.
What this Textopian page supports
A Widow is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 2,277 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Widow 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
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Similar titles
- A Widow by Guy De Maupassant
- The Man With The Dogs by Guy De Maupassant
- The Mad Woman by Guy De Maupassant
- Madame Hermet by Guy De Maupassant
- The Parrot by Guy De Maupassant
- Beside A Dead Man by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex emotional themes and character development, focusing on the intricacies of love and loss.
- Romance — The central narrative revolves around a romantic relationship, albeit one that is tragic and unfulfilled.
- Tragedy — The story culminates in a tragic event, highlighting the consequences of intense emotions and societal expectations.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological impact of love and guilt on the characters, particularly the aunt.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century · Short Story · Widowhood · Loneliness · Isolation · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Moral Decay