The Bandmaster's Sister
The story revolves around a young woman who marries a bandmaster and becomes disillusioned with her life due to his lack of ambition and her own stifled desires. She begins an affair with a wealthy man, but ultimately returns to her husband after realizing that she cannot escape the societal expectations placed upon her.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1851 · Genre: Drama, Tragedy, Romance · 1,657 words
First lines
"What a joke! " the bandmaster said, twirling his moustache with the foolish smile of a good-looking man, who dangles after women's petticoats, in order that he may get on all the quicker.
His comrades' equivocal allusions puzzled him, though they flattered him like applause, and he stealthily looked in the large mirrors at the new lyres embroidered in gold on the collar of his tunic. They fascinated him by their glitter, and half intoxicated by the doubtful champagne that he had drunk during dinner, and by the glasses of chartreuse and of Bavarian beer which he had imbibed afterwards, and excited by the songs, he was indulging in his usual dreams of success.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bandmaster's Sister is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1851 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: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Tragedy, Romance, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,657 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bandmaster's Sister 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bandmaster's Sister?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles, particularly involving family and societal expectations.
- Tragedy — The story involves themes of downfall and misfortune, with the protagonist facing ruin due to personal and familial issues.
- Romance — Romantic elements are present, including unrequited love and the complexities of relationships.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological motivations and inner turmoil of the characters, especially the protagonist and his sister.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Short Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Sisterly Love · Bandmaster's Family · Small Town Life · Class Conflict · Love Triangle