Mademoiselle Fifi by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with two men: a wealthy and charming aristocrat, and a poor but passionate artist. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Mademoiselle Fifi's true nature is multifaceted and ultimately tragic. The aristocrat, who is initially portrayed as a suave and sophisticated figure, is revealed to be shallow and emotionally unavailable. In contrast, the artist is depicted as a more genuine and passionate individual, but his love for Mademoiselle Fifi is unrequited. Throughout the story, Mademoiselle Fifi's relationships with both men are marked by a sense of detachment and emotional numbness. Despite her physical beauty and charm, she is ultimately unable to form meaningful connections with either of them. The narrative explores themes of love, desire, and the social conventions that govern relationships in 19th-century France. The story is characterized by its dark and introspective tone, which adds to the overall sense of tragedy and despair that pervades the narrative.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1882 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama · 5,721 words
Editions
First lines
Major, Count von Farlsberg, the Prussian commandant, had nearly finished reading his letters, lying back in a huge, tapestry-covered armchair, with his booted feet on the beautiful marble fireplace, where his spurs had made two holes, which grew deeper every day, during the three months that he had been in the château of Uville.
A cup of coffee was smoking on a small, inlaid table, which was stained with liqueurs, burnt by cigars, notched by the penknife of the victorious officer, who occasionally would stop while sharpening a pencil, to cut figures, make a drawing on the charming piece of furniture, just as it took his fancy.
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Mademoiselle Fifi is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Satire
- Length: 5,721 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Mademoiselle Fifi by Guy De Maupassant
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Similar titles
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- A Wifes Confession by Guy De Maupassant
- The Rival Pins by Guy De Maupassant
- Love by Guy De Maupassant
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of war, identity, and morality through character-driven narratives and rich prose.
- Historical Fiction — Set during the Franco-Prussian War, it reflects historical events and societal attitudes of the time.
- Drama — The narrative is filled with intense emotional conflicts and character interactions that drive the plot.
- Tragedy — The story culminates in a tragic event that highlights the consequences of violence and moral decay.
Tags
Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · War Story · Soldier's Life · Love Triangle · Betrayal · Deception · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Social Commentary