An Affair of State
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue and deception when she catches the eye of a high-ranking government official. As their relationship deepens, she finds herself increasingly entangled in his affairs, both personal and professional. The lines between truth and fiction become blurred as she struggles to maintain her own identity amidst the chaos that surrounds her. Through a series of events, it becomes clear that the official's actions are motivated by a desire for power and control, rather than genuine affection or concern for the woman.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Satire, Historical Fiction, Comedy · 4,116 words
First lines
Paris had just heard of the disaster of Sedan. The Republic was proclaimed. All France was panting from a madness that lasted until the time of the Commonwealth. Everybody was playing at soldier from one end of the country to the other.
Capmakers became colonels, assuming the duties of generals; revolvers and daggers were displayed on large rotund bodies, enveloped in red sashes; common citizens turned warriors, commanding battalions of noisy volunteers, and swearing like troopers to emphasize their importance.
What this Textopian page supports
An Affair of State is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Historical Fiction, Comedy, Political Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 4,116 words
- Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for An Affair of State by Guy de Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Affair of State?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The story uses humor and irony to critique political and social behaviors during a time of upheaval.
- Historical Fiction — Set during the Franco-Prussian War, it reflects the political and social climate of the era.
- Comedy — The absurdity of the characters' actions and the situations they find themselves in provide comedic elements.
- Political Fiction — The narrative revolves around political change and the characters' responses to it.
Tags
Realism · French Literature · Short Story Collection · 19th Century Fiction · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Human Nature · Politics and Society · Corruption · Power Dynamics · Moral Ambiguity