In the Wood by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his childhood home after many years away and becomes obsessed with the woods that surround it. He spends more and more time in the woods, eventually becoming isolated from society and losing touch with reality. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, isolation, and the blurring of lines between fantasy and reality.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama · 2,186 words
Editions
First lines
As the mayor was about to sit down to breakfast, word was brought to him that the rural policeman, with two prisoners, was awaiting him at the Hotel de Ville. He went there at once and found old Hochedur standing guard before a middle-class couple whom he was regarding with a severe expression on his face.
The man, a fat old fellow with a red nose and white hair, seemed utterly dejected; while the woman, a little roundabout individual with shining cheeks, looked at the official who had arrested them, with defiant eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Wood is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,186 words
- Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Wood 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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Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is infused with humor, particularly in the depiction of the couple's embarrassing situation and the mayor's lighthearted response.
- Romance — The story revolves around the rekindling of romantic feelings between an older married couple, highlighting themes of love and nostalgia.
- Drama — The plot involves personal conflict and emotional tension as the couple faces public embarrassment and introspection about their relationship.
- Social Commentary — The story subtly critiques societal norms and expectations regarding age, propriety, and romantic behavior.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Existential Crisis · Mental Illness · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair · Philosophical Themes · Human Nature