On Horseback by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after years abroad and becomes infatuated with a woman he meets while out riding on horseback. He begins an affair with her, but their social differences make it impossible for them to be together. The young man is torn between his love for the woman and his duty to marry a woman of suitable social standing.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Realism, Social Commentary, Tragedy · 2,528 words
First lines
The poor people lived miserably on the husband's salary. Since their marriage two children had been born, and their previous lack of means had developed into that frightened, timid, shamefaced poverty peculiar to families of good position who try to keep up appearances in spite of everything.
What this Textopian page supports
On Horseback is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Family Drama, Humor
- Length: 2,528 words
- Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for On Horseback by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on the everyday struggles of a lower-middle-class family, depicting their poverty and social status with stark realism.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and the pressures of maintaining appearances despite financial hardship.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's misadventures lead to a tragic outcome, highlighting the fragility of human dignity in the face of misfortune.
- Family Drama — The plot revolves around family dynamics and the impact of financial strain on relationships.
Tags
French Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Naturalism · 19th Century Fiction · Horseback Riding · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Marriage · Love · Isolation