The Dead Hand by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after a long absence. He becomes infatuated with a woman and begins an affair with her. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that she is already engaged to be married. As the story progresses, the young man's obsession with the woman grows, and he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends. His behavior becomes erratic and violent, causing concern among those around him. The narrative explores themes of love, desire, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions. The title "The Dead Hand" refers to the idea that past experiences can exert a lasting influence over one's life, often in ways that are beyond conscious control.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Mystery · 2,476 words
First lines
One evening, about eight months ago, a friend of mine, Louis R., had invited together some college friends. We drank punch, and smoked, and talked about literature and art, telling amusing stories from time to time, as young men do when they come together. Suddenly the door opened wide, and one of my best friends from childhood entered like a hurricane. "Guess where I come from! " he shouted immediately. "Mabille's, I bet," one of us replied. "No," said another, "you are too cheerful; you have just borrowed some money, or buried your uncle, or pawned your watch. " A third said: "You have been drunk, and as you smelt Louis's punch, you came up to start all over again."
What this Textopian page supports
The Dead Hand is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Fiction, Dark Comedy
- Length: 2,476 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dead Hand 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 Dead Hand?
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Watcher By The Dead by Ambrose Bierce
- The Haunted Valley by Ambrose Bierce
- One Summer Night by Ambrose Bierce
- The Room In The Dragon Volant by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
- The Moonlit Road by Ambrose Bierce
- The Keeper by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Horror — The story features elements of the macabre, including a skinned hand and a murder, creating a sense of dread and terror.
- Gothic Fiction — The themes of death, madness, and the supernatural, along with the eerie atmosphere, align with Gothic conventions.
- Mystery — The narrative revolves around a crime and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding it, engaging the reader's curiosity.
- Psychological Fiction — The exploration of the protagonist's descent into madness and the psychological impact of trauma are central to the plot.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Short Story · French Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Mystery · Suspense · Gothic Horror · Dark Fantasy · Supernatural Elements · Paranormal Activity · Ghost Story · Atmospheric Setting