The Farmer's Wife

Name: The Farmer's Wife
Author: Guy de Maupassant

A middle-aged woman, worn down by her husband's infidelity and the hardships of rural life, struggles to maintain a sense of dignity and self-respect in the face of societal expectations and her own emotional turmoil. She is trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who has abandoned her for younger women, and her only solace is in her relationships with her children and a few close friends. As she navigates the complexities of her life, she must confront the harsh realities of poverty, loneliness, and the limited options available to women in rural France during this time period. The story explores themes of love, loss, and survival, as the farmer's wife struggles to maintain her sense of self-worth and dignity in a world that seems determined to crush her.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1880 · Genre: Drama, Tragedy, Realism · 3,145 words

First lines

Said the Baron Rene du Treilles to me:

"Will you come and open the hunting season with me at my farm at Marinville? I shall be delighted if you will, my dear boy. In the first place, I am all alone. It is rather a difficult ground to get at, and the place I live in is so primitive that I can invite only my most intimate friends."

What this Textopian page supports

The Farmer's Wife is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Tragedy, Realism, Romance, Psychological Fiction
Length: 3,145 words
Structure: 1 section, 87 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The narrative centers around a tragic love story and emotional conflicts, highlighting themes of unrequited love and personal sacrifice.
Tragedy — The story involves the death of a character due to emotional distress, underscoring the tragic consequences of unfulfilled desires.
Realism — The detailed depiction of rural life, social interactions, and the psychological depth of characters reflect the realistic portrayal of human experiences.
Romance — The plot revolves around romantic feelings and the impact of love on the characters' lives, despite the absence of a traditional romantic resolution.