Duchoux by Guy de Maupassant (1888)

Name: Duchoux
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He becomes infatuated with a woman named Duchoux, who is the daughter of a local farmer. The young man's obsession with Duchoux leads him to commit a heinous crime, which ultimately results in her death. The novel explores themes of love, class, and morality, raising questions about the nature of desire and the consequences of one's actions. Through its portrayal of the protagonist's descent into madness, the novel critiques the societal norms and expectations that govern relationships between men and women from different social classes. The narrative is characterized by a sense of foreboding and inevitability, as the reader is aware of the tragic outcome from the beginning. The novel's use of symbolism and imagery adds to its sense of tension and unease, underscoring the devastating consequences of unchecked passion and desire.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Realism, Psychological Fiction, Drama · 3,206 words

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First lines

While descending the wide staircase of the club heated like a conservatory by the stove the Baron de Mordiane had left his fur-coat open; therefore, when the huge street-door closed behind him he felt a shiver of intense cold run through him, one of those sudden and painful shivers which make us feel sad, as if we were stricken with grief. Moreover, he had lost some money, and his stomach for some time past had troubled him, no longer permitting him to eat as he liked.

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Duchoux is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1888 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
Length: 3,206 words
Structure: 1 section, 100 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Realism — The narrative focuses on the detailed depiction of everyday life and the social conditions of the characters, emphasizing the mundane and the ordinary.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the internal thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, exploring themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning.
Drama — The plot centers around personal and familial conflicts, with an emphasis on emotional and relational dynamics.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and the isolation experienced by individuals within certain social structures.