Fascination by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes infatuated with a man she meets at a ball. She is drawn to his charming and charismatic nature, but her fascination soon turns into an obsession. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this individual is not what he seems, and the protagonist's perception of him is distorted by her own desires and fantasies. The tale explores themes of love, desire, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. It raises questions about the nature of human relationships and the ways in which our perceptions can be influenced by our emotions and experiences. Through a series of events, the story builds towards a tragic conclusion that highlights the destructive power of unchecked passion and the dangers of becoming consumed by one's own desires.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1889 · Genre: Romance, Psychological Fiction, Drama · 2,425 words
First lines
I can tell you neither the name of the country, nor the name of the man. It was a long, long way from here on a fertile and burning shore. We had been walking since the morning along the coast, with the blue sea bathed in sunlight on one side of us, and the shore covered with crops on the other. Flowers were growing quite close to the waves, those light, gentle, lulling waves. It was very warm, a soft warmth permeated with the odor of the rich, damp, fertile soil. One fancied one was inhaling germs.
What this Textopian page supports
Fascination 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, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 2,425 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fascination 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 Fascination?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The narrative centers on a passionate and tumultuous love affair, exploring themes of infatuation, desire, and emotional turmoil.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological complexities of love and obsession, examining the protagonist's internal struggles and emotional conflicts.
- Drama — The plot is driven by intense emotional exchanges and dramatic revelations, highlighting the tension and conflict in the protagonist's life.
- Literary Fiction — The work is characterized by its rich narrative style and exploration of human emotions, focusing on character development and thematic depth.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · Short Story Collection · French Literature · 19th Century Literature · Existential Themes · Human Nature · Social Commentary · Moral Ambiguity · Philosophical Questions · Inner Turmoil · Emotional Complexity