No Quarter by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who seeks revenge against her former lover after he abandons her for another woman. She manipulates him into marrying her again, but ultimately kills him in a fit of rage when she discovers his infidelity has continued. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the destructive nature of unchecked emotions.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Fiction, Drama · 2,872 words
First lines
The broad sunlight threw its burning rays on the fields, and under this shower of flame life burst forth in glowing vegetation from the earth. As far as the eye could see, the soil was green; and the sky was blue to the verge of the horizon. The Norman farms scattered through the plain seemed at a distance like little woods inclosed each in a circle of thin beech-trees. Coming closer, on opening the worm-eaten stile, one fancied that he saw a giant garden, for all the old apple-trees, as knotted as the peasants, were in blossom. The weather-beaten black trunks, crooked, twisted, ranged along the inclosure, displayed beneath the sky their glittering domes, rosy and white. The sweet perfume of their blossoms mingled with the heavy odors of the open stables and with the fumes of the steaming dunghill, covered with hens and their chickens. It was midday.
What this Textopian page supports
No Quarter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, War Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 2,872 words
- Structure: 1 section, 79 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for No Quarter 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 No Quarter?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Action At Aislar by Vsevolod Garshin
- The Olive Grove by Guy De Maupassant
- Father Milon by Guy De Maupassant
- Military Honors by Guy De Maupassant
- A Duel by Guy De Maupassant
- Herodias by Gustave Flaubert
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, incorporating historical events and figures into its narrative.
- War Fiction — The plot revolves around the impact of war on individuals and communities, focusing on the protagonist's acts of resistance against occupying forces.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly through the protagonist's motivations and actions.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with the protagonist's execution, highlighting themes of sacrifice and the futility of revenge.
Tags
War Fiction · French Literature · Realism · Psychological Insight · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Conflict · Violence · Sacrifice · Loyalty · Betrayal · Duty