An Honest Ideal by Guy de Maupassant
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes infatuated with an older woman. He idealizes her and their relationship, but she is unresponsive to his affections. The story explores the themes of love, disillusionment, and the fragility of human relationships.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1865 · Genre: Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction · 2,466 words
First lines
Among my numerous friends in Vienna, there is one who is an author, and who has always amused me by his childish idealism.
Not by his idealism from an abstract point of view, for in spite of my Pessimism I am an absurd Idealist, and because I am perfectly well aware of this, I as a rule never laugh at people's Idealism, but his sort of Idealism was really too funny.
What this Textopian page supports
An Honest Ideal is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1865 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: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Romance, Satire
- Length: 2,466 words
- Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Honest Ideal 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Honest Ideal?
- 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?
Similar titles
- An Adventure In Paris by Guy De Maupassant
- In Various Roles by Guy De Maupassant
- La Paix Du Menage by Guy De Maupassant
- A Rupture by Guy De Maupassant
- Pauls Mistress by Guy De Maupassant
- A Divorce Case by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on the realistic portrayal of human behavior and societal norms, particularly the disillusionment with idealism.
- Drama — The story revolves around intense emotional conflicts and personal relationships, especially the protagonist's infatuation with the actress.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological motivations and inner turmoil of the characters, particularly the idealist's obsession and subsequent disillusionment.
- Romance — The plot includes elements of romantic infatuation and the complexities of love, albeit with a critical perspective.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Critique of Bourgeoisie · Morality · Philosophy · Psychological Insight · Satire · Dark Humor · Existential Crisis · Alienation · Loneliness