Delila by Guy de Maupassant (1884)
The novel revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security and social status. She becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with her husband's family members, particularly his mother, who seeks to control Delila through manipulation and guilt. As the story unfolds, Delila's desires and ambitions are repeatedly thwarted by the societal expectations placed upon her. Her marriage is loveless and unfulfilling, and she finds herself trapped in a life that is not of her own making. The novel explores themes of female oppression, the constraints of social class, and the tension between individual desire and societal expectation. Through Delila's struggles, the author critiques the patriarchal society of 19th-century France, highlighting the limited options available to women during this time period.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction, Romance · 2,666 words
First lines
In a former reminiscence,[6] we made the acquaintance of a lady, who had done the police many services in former years, and whom we called Wanda von Chabert. It is no exaggeration, if we say that she was at the same time the cleverest, the most charming and the most selfish woman whom one could possibly meet. She was certainly not exactly what is called beautiful, for neither her face nor her figure were symmetrical enough for that, but if her head was not beautiful in the style of the antique, neither like the _Venus_ of Milo nor Ludoirsi's _Juno_, it was, on the other hand, in the highest sense delightful like the ladies whom Wateau and Mignard painted.
What this Textopian page supports
Delila is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Historical Fiction, Romance, Political Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 2,666 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Delila by Guy de Maupassant
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Delila?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional conflicts and personal relationships, particularly involving betrayal and manipulation.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of historical events, such as the war between Austria and Italy in 1859, and involves real political figures and movements.
- Romance — Central to the plot are romantic entanglements and the protagonist's relationships with various lovers.
- Political Fiction — The plot involves political intrigue, espionage, and revolutionary activities, reflecting the political climate of the time.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Short Story · Tragic Love · Obsessive Love · Madness · Desire · Jealousy · Betrayal · Deception · Marriage