On the Journey by Guy De Maupassant

Name: On the Journey
Author: Guy De Maupassant

The story revolves around a young man who embarks on a journey to escape his mundane life and find meaning. He travels through various landscapes, encountering people and experiences that challenge his perceptions of the world. As he journeys, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the idea of finding happiness or fulfillment in external circumstances. Instead, he begins to see the futility of seeking pleasure or purpose outside himself. The narrative is a commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Psychological Fiction · 2 chapters · 2,508 words

First lines

The railway carriage was full as we left Cannes. We were chatting, for everybody was acquainted. As we passed Tarascon someone remarked: "Here's the place where they assassinate people."

And we began to talk of the mysterious and untraceable murderer, who for the last two years had taken, from time to time, the life of a traveller. Everyone made his guess, everyone gave his opinion; the women shudderingly gazed at the dark night through the car windows, fearing suddenly to see a man's head at the door. We all began telling frightful stories of terrible encounters, meetings with madmen in a flying-express, of hours passed opposite a suspected individual.

What this Textopian page supports

On the Journey is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1887 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Guy De Maupassant
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Mystery
Length: 2,508 words
Structure: 2 chapters, 78 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for On the Journey by Guy De Maupassant
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering On the Journey?
How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex human emotions and relationships, focusing on themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
Romance — The narrative centers around a poignant, unspoken love between the Comtesse and the unknown man, highlighting romantic tension and longing.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological states of the characters, particularly their fears, desires, and emotional struggles.
Drama — The plot unfolds with dramatic tension, particularly in the interactions between the Comtesse and the man, culminating in emotional revelations.