An Artifice by Guy De Maupassant
The novel revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security and social status. She uses her wit and charm to manipulate him into giving her everything she wants, while pretending to be the devoted wife he desires. As time passes, she becomes increasingly bored with her life and begins to seek excitement through affairs and other vices.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Romance · 2,534 words
Editions
First lines
The old doctor and his young patient were talking by the side of the fire. There was nothing really the matter with her, except that she had one of those little feminine ailments from which pretty women frequently suffer -- slight anaemia, an attack of nerves, and a suspicion of fatigue, probably of that fatigue from which newly-married people often suffer at the end of the first month of their married life, when they have made a love match.
What this Textopian page supports
An Artifice 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: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Realism
- Length: 2,534 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Artifice by Guy De Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional situations and moral dilemmas, focusing on the complexities of love and infidelity.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological motivations and inner conflicts of the characters, particularly regarding love and deception.
- Romance — Romantic relationships and the consequences of infidelity are central themes, highlighting the emotional turmoil involved.
- Mystery — The plot involves a mysterious death and the subsequent concealment of the truth, creating suspense around the characters' actions.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century Novel · Short Story Collection · Existential Themes · Philosophical Fiction · Social Commentary · Critique of Bourgeoisie · Morality Tales · Satire · Dark Humor