Moonlight by Guy de Maupassant

Name: Moonlight
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a young woman who has been abandoned by her lover and is struggling to come to terms with the rejection. She becomes obsessed with the idea of revenge against him, but ultimately realizes that it would only bring her further suffering. As she navigates this emotional turmoil, she begins to see the world in a different light, and her perception of reality starts to distort. The moonlight, which was once a symbol of love and happiness, now takes on a sinister tone, reflecting the darkness within herself. The narrative explores themes of heartbreak, obsession, and the blurring of reality and fantasy, as the protagonist's emotions become increasingly entwined with her perception of the world around her.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Psychological Fiction · 1,751 words

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First lines

Madame Julie Roubere was expecting her elder sister, Madame Henriette Letore, who had just returned from a trip to Switzerland.

The Letore household had left nearly five weeks before. Madame Henriette had allowed her husband to return alone to their estate in Calvados, where some business required his attention, and had come to spend a few days in Paris with her sister. Night came on. In the quiet parlor Madame Roubere was reading in the twilight in an absent-minded way, raising her, eyes whenever she heard a sound.

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Moonlight is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1884 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1884 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Romance, Psychological Fiction, Realism
Length: 1,751 words
Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Moonlight by Guy de Maupassant
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Genres

Drama — The story focuses on emotional and personal conflicts, particularly the internal struggle of Madame Henriette with her feelings and actions.
Romance — The narrative explores themes of love, desire, and emotional longing, particularly through the protagonist's yearning for romantic affection.
Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological state of the protagonist, examining her inner turmoil and the impact of her emotions on her actions.
Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of human emotions and relationships, focusing on the complexities of marital life and personal desires.