Legend of Mont St. Michel

Name: Legend of Mont St. Michel
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a group of people who gather at the abbey on Mont St. Michel to witness the tidal wave that floods the surrounding area. The protagonist, a young woman, becomes infatuated with a mysterious and handsome stranger who appears among the crowd. As the tide rises, the group is trapped by the water, and tensions rise as they realize they may not escape alive.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1876 · Genre: Folklore, Fantasy, Mythology · 1,733 words

First lines

I had first seen it from Cancale, this fairy castle in the sea. I got an indistinct impression of it as of a gray shadow outlined against the misty sky. I saw it again from Avranches at sunset. The immense stretch of sand was red, the horizon was red, the whole boundless bay was red. The rocky castle rising out there in the distance like a weird, seignorial residence, like a dream palace, strange and beautiful-this alone remained black in the crimson light of the dying day.

What this Textopian page supports

Legend of Mont St. Michel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1876 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: 1876 CE
Language: English
Genres: Folklore, Fantasy, Mythology, Humor, Historical Fiction
Length: 1,733 words
Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for Legend of Mont St. Michel by Guy de Maupassant
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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 Folklore first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Folklore — The narrative is based on a traditional story involving Saint Michael and the devil, typical of folklore.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements such as a celestial battle and mythical beings.
Mythology — It draws on mythological themes, particularly the struggle between good and evil.
Humor — The tale uses wit and irony, especially in the interactions between Saint Michael and the devil.