Mad? by Guy De Maupassant (1884)
The story revolves around a young woman who is driven to madness by the societal pressures and expectations placed upon her. She is forced into an arranged marriage with a man she does not love, and is subsequently confined to a mental institution after attempting to take her own life. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist's descent into madness is a direct result of the oppressive nature of her circumstances. Her isolation and confinement serve only to exacerbate her condition, leading to a complete breakdown in her mental state. The story explores themes of oppression, societal expectations, and the devastating consequences of being trapped in a life that is not one's own.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Tragedy · 1,596 words
First lines
Am I mad or jealous? I know not which, but I suffer horribly. I committed a crime, it is true, a mad crime, but are not insane jealousy, passionate love, betrayed and lost, and the terrible pain I endure, enough to make anyone commit a crime, without actually being a criminal?
What this Textopian page supports
Mad? 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: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Romance, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 1,596 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mad? 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 Mad??
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's mental state, exploring themes of jealousy, obsession, and madness.
- Drama — The intense emotional conflicts and character interactions create a dramatic tension throughout the story.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall and the tragic consequences of his actions highlight the elements of tragedy.
- Romance — The complex relationship between the protagonist and the woman he loves is central to the plot.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · French Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Naturalism · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Mental Illness · Insanity · Sanity · Morality · Ethics