The Adopted Son by Guy de Maupassant

Name: The Adopted Son
Author: Guy de Maupassant

A young man returns to his hometown after a long absence and discovers that he has been adopted by a wealthy family. He struggles with feelings of identity and belonging, leading him to question the nature of his existence and the truth about his past.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Realism, Drama, Social Commentary · 2,355 words

First lines

The two cottages stood beside each other at the foot of a hill near a little seashore resort. The two peasants labored hard on the unproductive soil to rear their little ones, and each family had four.

Before the adjoining doors a whole troop of urchins played and tumbled about from morning till night. The two eldest were six years old, and the youngest were about fifteen months; the marriages, and afterward the births, having taken place nearly simultaneously in both families.

What this Textopian page supports

The Adopted Son is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1881 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Family Saga
Length: 2,355 words
Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Adopted Son by Guy de Maupassant
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Realism — The story focuses on the everyday lives of peasants, highlighting their struggles and moral dilemmas, typical of realist literature.
Drama — The narrative centers on emotional and moral conflicts, particularly the decision of whether to give up a child for adoption.
Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and the economic pressures faced by rural families, reflecting on themes of poverty and class.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological impact of the adoption decision on both families, exploring themes of regret and resentment.