Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant (1885)
The novel revolves around the life of a young man who rises from poverty to wealth and social status through his cunning and manipulative nature. He uses his charm and good looks to seduce women and gain their trust, often exploiting them for financial or personal gain. As he navigates the complexities of high society, he must confront the consequences of his actions and the emptiness that comes with his success.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1885 · Genre: Realist Novel, Social Commentary, Romance · 18 chapters · 64,085 words
First lines
After changing his five-franc piece Georges Duroy left the restaurant. He twisted his mustache in military style and cast a rapid, sweeping glance upon the diners, among whom were three saleswomen, an untidy music-teacher of uncertain age, and two women with their husbands.
What this Textopian page supports
Bel-Ami is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realist Novel, Social Commentary, Romance, Psychological Fiction, Satire
- Length: 64,085 words
- Structure: 18 chapters, 1,733 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bel-Ami 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Bel-Ami?
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Genres
- Realist Novel — The book provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of Parisian society in the late 19th century, focusing on the social climbing and moral ambiguities of its protagonist.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques the social structures and moral decay of the bourgeoisie, highlighting issues of power, corruption, and ambition.
- Romance — The plot involves multiple romantic and sexual relationships that are central to the protagonist's rise in society.
- Psychological Fiction — The book delves into the psychological motivations and inner workings of its characters, particularly the protagonist's manipulative and ambitious nature.
Tags
Realism · Naturalism · French Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Satire · Critique of Capitalism · Class Struggle · Rags-to-Riches Story · Coming-of-Age · Moral Ambiguity · Philosophical Themes
Contents
- Poverty
- Madame Forestier
- First Attempts
- Duroy Learns Something
- The First Intrigue
- A Step Upward
- A Duel with an End
- Death and a Proposal
- Marriage
- Jealousy
- Madame Walter Takes a Hand
- A Meeting and the Result
- Madame De Marelle
- The Will
- Suzanne
- Divorce
- The Final Plot
- Attainment