Divorce by Guy De Maupassant (1880)
The story revolves around a middle-aged man who has been married for over 20 years and is now seeking a divorce from his wife due to her infidelity. He is driven by a desire for freedom and independence, but also feels a sense of guilt and responsibility towards his children. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the husband's motivations are not entirely altruistic, and he is willing to sacrifice his family's well-being in order to pursue his own desires. The wife, on the other hand, is portrayed as a victim of circumstance, trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who no longer loves her. Throughout the story, themes of morality, duty, and the human condition are explored, raising questions about the nature of right and wrong, and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative ultimately concludes with a sense of ambiguity, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of the characters' motivations and the implications of their choices.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 3,504 words
First lines
Maître Bontran, the celebrated Parisian lawyer, who for ten years had pleaded and won all divorce actions brought by ill-assorted couples, opened the door of his consulting-room and drew back to admit the new client.
He was a stout red-faced man with thick fair whiskers, corpulent, full-blooded and vigorous. He bowed.
What this Textopian page supports
Divorce is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Romance
- Length: 3,504 words
- Structure: 1 section, 127 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Divorce 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 Divorce?
- How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex human emotions and relationships, focusing on the intricacies of marriage and divorce.
- Drama — The narrative presents intense personal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms surrounding marriage, wealth, and personal integrity.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological struggles of the protagonist, highlighting themes of obsession and guilt.
Tags
Realism · French Literature · Short Story · Marriage · Divorce · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Satire · Critique of Society · Morality · Human Nature · Relationships