Saint Anthony by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young priest who is struggling with his faith and the moral implications of his actions. He becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and deceit, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation that forces him to confront the darkness within himself.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Short Story, Comedy, Historical Fiction · 3,601 words
First lines
They called him Saint Anthony, because his name was Anthony, and also, perhaps, because he was a good fellow, jovial, a lover of practical jokes, a tremendous eater and a heavy drinker and a gay fellow, although he was sixty years old.
He was a big peasant of the district of Caux, with a red face, large chest and stomach, and perched on two legs that seemed too slight for the bulk of his body.
What this Textopian page supports
Saint Anthony is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Comedy, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Satire
- Length: 3,601 words
- Structure: 1 section, 69 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a single incident, typical of short stories.
- Comedy — The story contains elements of humor and practical jokes, particularly in the interactions between Saint Anthony and the Prussian soldier.
- Historical Fiction — Set during the time of the Prussian invasion, it incorporates historical context into the narrative.
- Tragedy — The story ends with a tragic and violent resolution, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · Short Story · French Literature · 19th Century · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Human Nature · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Individualism