The Colonel's Ideas
A retired army officer returns to his hometown and becomes embroiled in a conflict between the local bourgeoisie and the working class. His experiences lead him to question the social hierarchy and the values of those around him, ultimately resulting in a tragic confrontation with the established order.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Short Story, Historical Fiction, Military Fiction · 2,551 words
First lines
"Upon my word," said Colonel Laporte, "I am old and gouty, my legs are as stiff as two sticks, and yet if a pretty woman were to tell me to go through the eye of a needle, I believe I should take a jump at it, like a clown through a hoop. I shall die like that; it is in the blood. I am an old beau, one of the old regime, and the sight of a woman, a pretty woman, stirs me to the tips of my toes. There!
What this Textopian page supports
The Colonel's Ideas 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: Short Story, Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 2,551 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Colonel's Ideas by Guy de Maupassant
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a brief narrative focusing on a single incident, characteristic of short stories.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War, incorporating historical events and figures.
- Military Fiction — The narrative revolves around military themes, including soldiers, war, and battles.
- Romantic Fiction — The story explores themes of love and admiration, particularly the French soldiers' affection for women.
Tags
French Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Morality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Critique of Society · Colonialism · Power Dynamics