Les Dimanches D'Un Bourgeois
The novel explores the monotony and emptiness of middle-class life through the eyes of a bourgeois family living in Paris. The story revolves around the father's struggles with his own identity and sense of purpose, as well as the stifling social conventions that govern their lives. The narrative is structured around the family's Sunday afternoons, which are marked by a sense of listlessness and desperation. The characters' conversations and interactions reveal their inner thoughts and feelings, exposing the hypocrisy and superficiality of their relationships. Through the father's character, the novel critiques the societal expectations placed on men to be providers and breadwinners, while also highlighting the consequences of repressing one's true desires and emotions.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Social Commentary · 22,045 words
First lines
Monsieur Patissot, born in Paris, having failed in his studies at the Collège Henri IV, obtained employment in a government department through the influence of one of his aunts, who kept a cigar store where a chief clerk of the department bought his supply of tobacco. He advanced very slowly and would perhaps have died a fourth-class clerk, had it not been for the benevolent Providence that watches over us all.
What this Textopian page supports
Les Dimanches D'Un Bourgeois is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Satire
- Length: 22,045 words
- Structure: 1 section, 487 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Les Dimanches D'Un Bourgeois by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Les Dimanches D'Un Bourgeois?
- How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of social class and personal introspection, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of bourgeois life and societal norms.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques the values and behaviors of the bourgeoisie, reflecting on societal issues.
- Psychological Fiction — The focus on the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings aligns with psychological exploration.
Tags
Realism · French Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Middle Class Life · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Psychological Insight · Satire · Critique of Bourgeoisie · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis