The Fishing Hole
A young boy's obsession with a fishing spot leads to his downfall when he becomes fixated on catching the perfect fish, ultimately losing himself and his relationships in the process. The story explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. The protagonist's fixation on the fishing hole serves as a metaphor for the dangers of becoming consumed by one's desires and neglecting the world around him. Through this narrative, the author critiques the societal pressures that encourage individuals to prioritize material success over emotional well-being and human connection.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Tragedy · 3,026 words
First lines
"Cuts and wounds which caused death. " Such was the charge upon which Leopold Renard, upholsterer, was summoned before the Court of Assizes.
Round him were the principal witnesses, Madame Flameche, widow of the victim, and Louis Ladureau, cabinetmaker, and Jean Durdent, plumber.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fishing Hole is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Tragedy, Satire, Realism
- Length: 3,026 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fishing Hole 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 Fishing Hole?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Moribund by Guy De Maupassant
- The Old Man by Guy De Maupassant
- The Mountain Pool by Guy De Maupassant
- The Gamekeeper by Guy De Maupassant
- The Hole by Guy De Maupassant
- Pierrot by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Drama — The narrative centers around a courtroom drama involving a charge of causing death, with detailed testimonies and emotional tensions.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the interactions and descriptions of the characters, such as the bickering between spouses and the absurdity of the situation.
- Tragedy — Despite the comedic elements, the story ultimately revolves around a tragic event, the accidental drowning of a man, which leads to a court case.
- Satire — The narrative satirizes human nature and societal norms, highlighting the pettiness and absurdity of the characters' actions and the situation.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century · Literary Classic · Existential Themes · Human Nature · Social Commentary · Philosophical · Melancholy · Loneliness