Father Milon by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a priest who is struggling with his faith and the moral implications of his actions. He becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and deceit, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation that forces him to confront the darkness within himself.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1882 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War, Drama · 2,595 words
First lines
For a month the hot sun has been parching the fields. Nature is expanding beneath its rays; the fields are green as far as the eye can see. The big azure dome of the sky is unclouded. The farms of Normandy, scattered over the plains and surrounded by a belt of tall beeches, look, from a distance, like little woods. On closer view, after lowering the worm-eaten wooden bars, you imagine yourself in an immense garden, for all the ancient apple-trees, as gnarled as the peasants themselves, are in bloom. The sweet scent of their blossoms mingles with the heavy smell of the earth and the penetrating odor of the stables. It is noon. The family is eating under the shade of a pear tree planted in front of the door; father, mother, the four children, and the help -- two women and three men are all there. All are silent. The soup is eaten and then a dish of potatoes fried with bacon is brought on.
What this Textopian page supports
Father Milon is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Drama, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 2,595 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Father Milon 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 Father Milon?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Margots Tapers by Guy De Maupassant
- The Test by Guy De Maupassant
- Madame Hermet by Guy De Maupassant
- A Coward by Guy De Maupassant
- The False Gems by Guy De Maupassant
- Hautot And His Son by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, incorporating historical events and figures into its narrative.
- War — The plot revolves around the impact of war on individuals and communities, focusing on acts of resistance against occupying forces.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly through the character of Father Milon and his actions.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with the protagonist's execution, highlighting themes of sacrifice and the futility of revenge.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Existential Crisis · Moral Ambiguity · Philosophical Themes · Human Nature · Society Satire · Critique of Religion · Father-Son Relationship