
Paul's Mistress by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with his young mistress. He is torn between his desire for her and the societal expectations placed upon him. The narrative explores themes of love, morality, and the constraints of social class.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Realism, Romance, Drama · 8,000 words
What this Textopian page supports
Paul's Mistress is listed on Textopian as a novella by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1881 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Romance, Drama, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 8,000 words
- Structure: 1 section, 181 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Paul's Mistress by Guy de Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Paul's Mistress?
- How does this novella by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on everyday life and ordinary characters, depicting realistic social settings and interactions.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a romantic relationship, exploring love, jealousy, and emotional turmoil.
- Drama — The story contains intense emotional conflicts and dramatic situations, particularly in the protagonist's personal struggles.
- Tragedy — The narrative concludes with a tragic event, highlighting the destructive nature of the protagonist's emotions.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century Novel · Marriage · Infidelity · Social Commentary · Morality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Human Nature · Relationships
More by Guy de Maupassant