The story revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after years abroad and becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman who lives nearby. He begins an affair with her, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that she is already engaged to be married. As the young man's obsession with the woman grows, he starts to lose touch with reality and becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends. His behavior becomes erratic and he starts to neglect his responsibilities. The story explores themes of love, obsession, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions. The young man's descent into madness is a tragic consequence of his all-consuming passion for the woman.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Realism, Naturalism, Social Commentary