Solitude by Guy De Maupassant (1882)
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He is met with indifference and hostility by his relatives, particularly his mother, who is obsessed with her own vanity and social status. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the young man has been emotionally scarred by his experiences abroad and struggles to connect with those around him. His attempts at intimacy are rebuffed, leading to feelings of isolation and despair. The novel explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the disintegration of family relationships in a decaying aristocracy.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1882 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 2,240 words
First lines
It was just after a male dinner-party. The evening had been hilarious. One of the guests, an old friend of mine, said to me:
"Would you like to walk up the Avenue des Champ-Élysése?"
What this Textopian page supports
Solitude is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Romantic Fiction
- Length: 2,240 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Solitude 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
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores deep existential themes, particularly the nature of solitude and human connection.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in detail, focusing on character thoughts and emotions.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological state of the protagonist, examining feelings of isolation and despair.
- Drama — The dialogue-driven format and emotional intensity create a dramatic exploration of human relationships.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · French Literature · Realism · Existentialism · Philosophical · Short Story Collection · 19th Century · Literary Classic · Social Commentary · Human Condition · Loneliness · Isolation