An Apparition by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She is met with suspicion and hostility by the other characters, particularly her brother-in-law, who harbors a dark secret. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the brother-in-law has been embezzling funds from his employer and is now in deep financial trouble. The young woman's presence threatens to expose his deceit, leading him to become increasingly unhinged. The story builds towards a tragic confrontation between the two characters, with devastating consequences for all involved.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 3,129 words
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An Apparition is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1884 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Literary Fiction
- Length: 3,129 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for An Apparition by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Apparition?
- How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Horror — The story features supernatural elements and evokes fear through the protagonist's encounter with an apparition.
- Gothic Fiction — The setting includes an abandoned château and themes of death, loss, and psychological terror, characteristic of Gothic literature.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative explores the protagonist's mental state and emotional turmoil, particularly in relation to fear and trauma.
- Mystery — The disappearance of the protagonist's friend and the unexplained events create a sense of intrigue and unresolved questions.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Gothic Horror · Supernatural · Mystery · Atmosphere of Dread · Isolation · Loneliness · Paranoid Delusions · Madness