The Blind Man by Guy de Maupassant

Name: The Blind Man
Author: Guy de Maupassant

A middle-aged man returns to his hometown after a long absence and becomes infatuated with a young woman who is blind. He begins to visit her regularly, bringing her flowers and telling her stories of his life. As their relationship deepens, he starts to feel increasingly isolated from the rest of society, and his obsession with the woman grows more intense. The story explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrator's fixation on the blind woman is portrayed as a desperate attempt to connect with someone who can see beyond his physical appearance and social status. Through the narrative, Maupassant critiques societal norms and expectations surrounding love, beauty, and disability. The story raises questions about the nature of intimacy and the ways in which people form connections with one another. The Blind Man is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, delving into the complexities of the human psyche and the fragility of relationships.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 1,548 words

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First lines

How is it that the sunlight gives us such joy? Why does this radiance when it falls on the earth fill us with the joy of living? The whole sky is blue, the fields are green, the houses all white, and our enchanted eyes drink in those bright colors which bring delight to our souls. And then there springs up in our hearts a desire to dance, to run, to sing, a happy lightness of thought, a sort of enlarged tenderness; we feel a longing to embrace the sun.

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The Blind Man is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1888 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
Length: 1,548 words
Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Realism — The story provides a detailed and unembellished depiction of rural life and the harsh realities faced by the protagonist, reflecting the characteristics of Realism.
Tragedy — The narrative centers on the suffering and eventual tragic death of the blind man, highlighting themes of cruelty and misfortune.
Social Commentary — The story critiques societal attitudes towards the disabled and marginalized, exposing the indifference and cruelty of the community.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the internal experiences and emotional suffering of the blind man, exploring his isolation and despair.