Alexandre by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after many years abroad and becomes infatuated with a woman he had previously known. His obsession with her leads him to commit a series of increasingly disturbing acts, ultimately culminating in a tragic confrontation. The narrative explores themes of love, possession, and the darker aspects of human nature.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1886 · Genre: Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction · 1,872 words
First lines
At four o'clock that day, as on every other day, Alexandre rolled the three-wheeled chair for cripples up to the door of the little house; then, in obedience to the doctor's orders, he would push his old and infirm mistress about until six o'clock.
When he had placed the light vehicle against the step, just at the place where the old lady could most easily enter it, he went into the house; and soon a furious, hoarse old soldier's voice was heard cursing inside the house: it issued from the master, the retired ex-captain of infantry, Joseph Maramballe.
What this Textopian page supports
Alexandre 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: Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,872 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Alexandre 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Alexandre?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on everyday life and the detailed depiction of ordinary characters and their interactions.
- Drama — The story explores complex emotional themes and relationships, particularly the unspoken devotion of Alexandre.
- Psychological Fiction — The inner thoughts and motivations of the characters, especially Alexandre's secret affection, are central to the narrative.
- Social Commentary — The story reflects on social class dynamics and the roles of servants and masters in society.
Tags
FrenchLiterature · Realism · PsychologicalInsight · ShortStory · ExistentialCrisis · PhilosophicalThemes · HumanCondition · MentalIllness · Obsession · LoveTriangle · TragicEnding · SocialCommentary