Forgiveness by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who seeks revenge against her former lover for abandoning her after she had given herself to him completely. She becomes obsessed with the idea of making him suffer and plans a series of cruel and humiliating events to exact her revenge. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that her actions are motivated by a deep-seated desire for self-justification rather than genuine forgiveness or redemption.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Fiction · 2,431 words
First lines
She had been brought up in one of those families who live entirely to themselves, apart from all the rest of the world. Such families know nothing of political events, although they are discussed at table; for changes in the Government take place at such a distance from them that they are spoken of as one speaks of a historical event, such as the death of Louis XVI or the landing of Napoleon.
What this Textopian page supports
Forgiveness 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, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Tragedy, Romance
- Length: 2,431 words
- Structure: 1 section, 73 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Forgiveness 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Forgiveness?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Fascination by Guy De Maupassant
- An Artifice by Guy De Maupassant
- A Wise Man by Guy De Maupassant
- Martine by Guy De Maupassant
- Legend Of Mont St Michel by Guy De Maupassant
- The Olive Orchard by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional conflicts and personal relationships, particularly the betrayal and emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves deeply into the psychological states of the characters, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexity of human emotions.
- Domestic Fiction — The plot centers around family life and the intimate dynamics within a marriage, highlighting the impact of external relationships on domestic harmony.
- Tragedy — The narrative contains elements of tragedy, with the protagonist's life being upended by deceit and the resulting emotional devastation.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · Short Story Collection · Existential Themes · Human Nature · Morality · Philosophy · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Individualism · Free Will