Old Amable by Guy de Maupassant

Name: Old Amable
Author: Guy de Maupassant

The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security and comfort. She struggles with the moral implications of her decision, feeling trapped in a loveless marriage. As she navigates this complex situation, she grapples with her own desires and sense of identity. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the constraints placed on women during that era.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Realism, Tragedy, Drama · 9,361 words

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First lines

The humid gray sky seemed to weigh down on the vast brown plain. The odor of autumn, the sad odor of bare, moist lands, of fallen leaves, of dead grass made the stagnant evening air more thick and heavy. The peasants were still at work, scattered through the fields, waiting for the stroke of the Angelus to call them back to the farmhouses, whose thatched roofs were visible here and there through the branches of the leafless trees which protected the apple-gardens against the wind.

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Old Amable is listed on Textopian as a novella by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1884 CE.

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Work type: Novella
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1884 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Tragedy, Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
Length: 9,361 words
Structure: 1 section, 271 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Realism — The narrative focuses on the everyday lives of peasants, depicting their struggles, relationships, and societal norms with detailed and unembellished descriptions.
Tragedy — The story contains elements of personal and familial tragedy, including unfulfilled desires, societal pressures, and the ultimate demise of a central character.
Drama — The plot revolves around intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly concerning family dynamics, love, and societal expectations.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques rural societal structures, class distinctions, and the impact of tradition on personal choices.