Old Boniface's Crime

Name: Old Boniface's Crime
Author: Guy De Maupassant

The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for many years. He becomes infatuated with an older woman and begins an affair with her. The woman's husband, Old Boniface, discovers their relationship and seeks revenge against the young man. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the destructive nature of unchecked passion. It is a dark and intense portrayal of human relationships and the consequences that can arise from them. The narrative is presented in a straightforward and unflinching manner, with no attempt to romanticize or justify the characters' actions. The focus is on the raw emotions and desires that drive the characters, rather than any moral or philosophical justifications for their behavior. Throughout the novel, the author presents a bleak and pessimistic view of human nature, suggesting that people are ultimately driven by selfish desires and a lack of empathy for others.

By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1886 · Genre: Short Story, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction · 2,297 words

First lines

As Boniface the postman left the post office he discovered that his round that day would not take as long as usual, and felt a sharp pleasure in the knowledge. His task was the rural delivery outside the town of Vireville, and when he returned at night, with long weary strides, his legs had often more than forty kilometres behind them.

So his delivery would be quickly done! He could even loiter a little on the way and get home by about three in the afternoon. What luck!

What this Textopian page supports

Old Boniface's Crime is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Short Story, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction, Dark Comedy, Realism
Length: 2,297 words
Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a single incident involving a postman and a crime, typical of the short story format.
Crime Fiction — The plot revolves around a crime and the postman's reaction to it, exploring themes of violence and misunderstanding.
Literary Fiction — The story delves into human emotions and societal reactions, showcasing character development and thematic depth.
Dark Comedy — The narrative employs humor in the face of a serious subject, particularly through the postman's misunderstanding and the inspector's reaction.