The Farmer by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a farmer who lives with his wife and children on a small farm. He is a hardworking man but struggles to make ends meet due to the harsh economic conditions of the time. The family's poverty is exacerbated by the fact that they are unable to afford medical care for their sick daughter, leading to her eventual death. The farmer becomes increasingly desperate and isolated as he tries to find ways to improve his situation. He begins to see the world around him as cruel and unforgiving, and his relationships with his family members deteriorate. As the story progresses, the farmer's mental state begins to unravel, and he becomes consumed by a sense of hopelessness and despair. The novel ultimately ends in tragedy, with the farmer's actions having devastating consequences for himself and those around him.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 2,947 words
First lines
The Baron René de Treilles said: "Won't you come to my farm at Marinville for the first of the shooting? It would be a real pleasure. Besides, I shall be alone. The shooting is so difficult of access and the house so primitive that I can only invite intimate friends."
I accepted the invitation.
What this Textopian page supports
The Farmer is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Length: 2,947 words
- Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Farmer 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 Farmer?
- How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, loss, and social class through detailed character development and introspective narrative.
- Realism — The portrayal of rural life, the farmer's struggles, and the depiction of everyday events reflect a realistic representation of society.
- Drama — The emotional weight of the characters' relationships and the tragic backstory create a dramatic tension throughout the narrative.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and social context provide a glimpse into the historical aspects of rural life in France.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Agriculture · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Critique of Bourgeoisie · Class Struggle · Poverty · Isolation · Loneliness · Disillusionment · Existential Crisis