Old Milon by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes infatuated with an older woman. He begins to pursue her, but she rejects him due to their age difference. The young man's obsession with the woman grows, and he starts to stalk her. The narrative explores themes of unrequited love, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. It also touches on the societal norms and expectations surrounding age and social status during that time period. Throughout the story, the protagonist's actions become increasingly erratic and disturbing, leading to a tragic confrontation with the woman he loves.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Tragedy · 2,767 words
First lines
For the past month the great sun had been casting its broiling heat over the fields. Nature is unfolding radiantly beneath this shower of fire; as far as the eye can reach, the earth is green. To the ends of the horizon, the sky is blue. The Norman farms scattered over the plain look, from the distance, like little woods, enclosed in their girdle of slender beeches. From near at hand, when the worm-eaten gate is opened, it is as though one were looking at a giant garden, for all the aged apple trees, bony of limb like country folk, are in flower. The rows of black, crooked, twisted old trunks in the farmyard display their dazzling white and pink domes under the sky. The sweet perfume of their blossoming mingles with the rich stenches of the open cowshed and the steam of the fermenting dungheap overrun with hens.
What this Textopian page supports
Old Milon 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, Drama, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, War Literature
- Length: 2,767 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old Milon by Guy De Maupassant
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Old Milon?
- 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
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set during the Franco-Prussian War, exploring themes of conflict, patriotism, and the impact of war on individuals.
- Drama — The story focuses on intense emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, highlighting personal sacrifice and the consequences of revenge.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's fate is marked by inevitable suffering and death, emphasizing the tragic consequences of his actions and the harsh realities of war.
- Literary Fiction — The work employs rich, descriptive language and deep character exploration, focusing on the human condition and societal issues.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Short Story · Tragic Love · Unrequited Love · Obsession · Jealousy · Madness · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair