Caresses by Guy De Maupassant (1889)

Name: Caresses
Author: Guy De Maupassant

The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She is met with indifference by her relatives and servants, but finds solace in the affection of a young man who has been hired to work on the estate. As their relationship deepens, the young woman begins to feel a sense of belonging and connection that she had previously lacked. However, this newfound happiness is short-lived as the young man's true nature is revealed, and he is exposed as a con artist who has been using his charm to manipulate women for financial gain. The story explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the human desire for connection and affection. It also critiques the societal norms of the time, particularly the treatment of women and the class system.

By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1889 · Genre: Romance, Philosophical, Literary Fiction · 1,719 words

First lines

No, my friend, do not think any more of it. What you ask of me revolts and disgusts me. It is as if God -- for I believe in God -- had wanted to spoil every good thing that He made by attaching some horrible thing to it. He had given us love, the divinest thing the world ever knew, but, finding it too lovely and too fine for us, He imagined our senses, shameful, vile, revolting, brutal senses, senses that He seems to have fashioned in malicious jest and linked with the excretions of our bodies; He has conceived them in such a way that we cannot think of it without blushing, can only speak of it in hushed voices. The dreadful thing they do is wrapped in shame. It hides away, disgusts our souls, offends our eyes; despised by morality, hounded down by law, it consummates itself in darkness, as if it were a criminal. Never speak to me of it, never! I do not know whether I love you, but I know that your nearness pleases me, that your glance is sweet to me and your voice caresses my heart. From the day you had of me the frailness you desire, you would become hateful to me. The delicate bond that holds us to each other would be broken. An infamous abyss would lie between us. Let us stay as we are. And. love me if you will, I will let you. Your friend, Geneviève

What this Textopian page supports

Caresses is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Drama, Epistolary
Length: 1,719 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The text explores themes of love, desire, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
Philosophical — It delves into the nature of love and human desire, questioning societal norms and moral implications.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in detail, focusing on character emotions and thoughts.
Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict between characters create a dramatic tension.