An Old Man by Guy De Maupassant

Name: An Old Man
Author: Guy De Maupassant

The story revolves around an old man who lives alone with his daughter and granddaughter. He is a bitter and resentful individual, consumed by his own misery and sense of injustice. The family's financial situation is precarious, and the old man's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as he struggles to cope with their poverty. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the old man's bitterness stems from his perception that society has wronged him in various ways. He feels that he has been unfairly treated by those around him, including his family members. The story takes a dark turn when the old man's granddaughter dies under mysterious circumstances. The event serves as a catalyst for the old man's downward spiral into madness and despair. Throughout the narrative, the author explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the human condition. The old man's character serves as a commentary on the societal ills that can drive individuals to desperation and madness.

By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1882 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Realism, Literary Fiction · 1,643 words

First lines

All the newspapers had carried the advertisement:

The new watering place of Rondelis offers all desired advantages for a long stay and even for permanent residence. Its ferruginous waters, recognized as the best in the world for counteracting all impurities of the blood, seem also to possess particular qualities calculated to prolong human life. This singular circumstance is perhaps due in part to the exceptional situation of the town, which lies surrounded by mountains and in the very center of a pine forest. For several centuries it has been celebrated for numerous cases of extraordinary longevity.

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An Old Man is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1882 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Guy De Maupassant
Date: 1882 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychological Fiction, Realism, Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Satire
Length: 1,643 words
Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's psyche, exploring his obsession with longevity and death.
Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of aging and human behavior, focusing on the mundane aspects of life.
Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development and thematic depth over plot-driven storytelling.
Philosophical Fiction — It raises questions about the value of life, death, and the human condition.