The Duel by Guy de Maupassant (1884)
A young nobleman challenges a writer to a duel after the writer criticizes his family's honor. The duel takes place on a deserted beach at dawn. The nobleman is killed by the writer's first shot, and he then kills himself with the same pistol.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Realist Fiction, Drama · 3,580 words
First lines
In society, they called him "The handsome Signoles. " He called himself Viscount Gontran Joseph de Signoles.
An orphan and master of a sufficient fortune, he cut something of a figure, as the saying is. He had an attractive form, enough readiness of speech to make some attempt at wit, a certain natural grace of manner, an air of nobility and pride, and a mustache which was both formidable and pleasant to the eye -- a thing that pleases the ladies.
What this Textopian page supports
The Duel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Realist Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Short Story
- Length: 3,580 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Duel by Guy de Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Duel?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's mental state, exploring themes of fear, anxiety, and the psychological impact of societal expectations.
- Realist Fiction — The story presents a realistic portrayal of societal norms and personal honor in 19th-century France, focusing on the protagonist's internal conflict.
- Drama — The plot centers around a dramatic conflict involving a duel, highlighting themes of pride, honor, and the consequences of societal pressure.
- Tragedy — The narrative concludes with the protagonist's tragic demise, driven by his inability to cope with the fear of public shame and personal failure.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Literary Classic · 19th Century · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Patriotism vs. Personal Honor