The False Gems by Guy de Maupassant
A young woman's life unravels after she discovers a valuable gemstone that was supposed to be worthless. The story explores themes of deception, class and social status in late 19th century France.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Short Story, Realism, Drama · 2,684 words
First lines
M. Lantin had met the young woman at a soiree, at the home of the assistant chief of his bureau, and at first sight had fallen madly in love with her.
She was the daughter of a country physician who had died some months previously. She had come to live in Paris, with her mother, who visited much among her acquaintances, in the hope of making a favorable marriage for her daughter. They were poor and honest, quiet and unaffected.
What this Textopian page supports
The False Gems 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: Short Story, Realism, Drama, Satire, Tragedy
- Length: 2,684 words
- Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a single incident, typical of short stories.
- Realism — The story portrays everyday life and ordinary characters, emphasizing realistic details and social conditions.
- Drama — The narrative involves emotional themes such as love, loss, and betrayal, creating dramatic tension.
- Satire — The story subtly critiques societal norms and the concept of wealth and appearances through irony.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story Collection · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · 19th Century Literature · Social Commentary · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Deception · Appearance vs Reality · Philosophical Themes