The Cripple by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who has been crippled since birth and lives with his mother. He is intelligent and sensitive but also isolated due to his physical condition. The narrative explores the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the mother's overprotectiveness and the son's desire for independence. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the mother's behavior is motivated by a mix of love and guilt, stemming from her own feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver. Meanwhile, the son struggles to assert his individuality and find his place in the world. The narrative builds towards a tragic confrontation between the two characters, highlighting the destructive nature of their codependent relationship. The story raises questions about the consequences of overprotection and the importance of allowing individuals to take risks and develop their own identities.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1865 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Psychological Drama · 2,344 words
What this Textopian page supports
The Cripple is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1865 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: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary, Romance
- Length: 2,344 words
- Structure: 1 section, 73 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Cripple by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Cripple?
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Patron by Guy De Maupassant
- The Peddler by Guy De Maupassant
- The Hairpin by Guy De Maupassant
- A Coward by Guy De Maupassant
- Complication by Guy De Maupassant
- Duchoux by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of memory, identity, and the human condition through nuanced character interactions and introspective narrative.
- Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of post-war life, focusing on the psychological and emotional struggles of a disabled veteran.
- Psychological Drama — The narrative delves into the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters, particularly the protagonist's reflections on love, sacrifice, and societal expectations.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms regarding disability, marriage, and personal sacrifice, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Disability · Stigma · Societal Pressure · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Critique of Society