Martine by Guy de Maupassant (1887)
The novel revolves around the life of Martine, a young woman who lives with her mother and sister on a small farm. She is portrayed as being intelligent, beautiful, and strong-willed. The story explores themes of love, family dynamics, and social class through Martine's relationships with various characters, including her suitor, a wealthy and charming man named Jacques.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1887 · Genre: Realism, Romance, Drama · 2,675 words
First lines
It came to him one Sunday after mass. He was walking home from church along the by-road that led to his house when he saw ahead of him Martine, who was also going home.
Her father walked beside his daughter with the important gait of a rich farmer. Discarding the smock, he wore a short coat of gray cloth and on his head a round-topped hat with wide brim.
What this Textopian page supports
Martine is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Romance, Drama, Tragedy
- Length: 2,675 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Martine 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 Martine?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Realism — The story focuses on everyday life and ordinary characters, depicting realistic social interactions and emotions.
- Romance — The narrative centers around Benoist's unrequited love for Martine and the emotional turmoil it causes.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles, particularly Benoist's internal conflict and Martine's unexpected childbirth.
- Tragedy — The story contains elements of personal loss and unfulfilled desires, as Benoist's love for Martine remains unreciprocated and she marries another.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · Short Story Collection · 19th Century Novel · Existential Themes · Human Nature · Philosophical Undertones · Social Commentary · Morality Tales · Character Study · Literary Realism