Happiness by Guy de Maupassant

Name: Happiness
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He is now wealthy and has a new wife, but he feels unfulfilled and disconnected from the people and places of his past. As he navigates his relationships with old friends and acquaintances, he begins to realize that true happiness eludes him. His marriage is loveless, and his wealth brings him no joy. The story explores themes of disillusionment, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the search for meaning in life.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 2,447 words

First lines

The sky was blue, with light clouds that looked like swans slowly sailing on the waters of a lake, and the atmosphere was so warm, so saturated with the subtle odors of the mimosas, that Madame de Viellemont ordered coffee to be served on the terrace which overlooked the sea.

And while the steam rose from the delicate china cups, one felt an almost inexpressible pleasure in looking at the sails, which were gradually becoming lost in the mysterious distance, and at the almost motionless sea, which had the sheen of jewels, which attracted the eyes like the looks of a dreamy woman.

What this Textopian page supports

Happiness 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: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Political Fiction, Adventure
Length: 2,447 words
Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Happiness by Guy de Maupassant
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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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

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in the fifteenth century and involves historical elements such as political intrigue and societal structures.
Romance — Central to the story is the romantic relationship between Hercules and Gioconda, which drives the plot and character motivations.
Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, including personal and political conflicts, betrayal, and emotional intensity.
Political Fiction — The plot involves political themes, such as power struggles, governance, and the impact of leadership on society.