The Hermaphrodite
The story revolves around a young woman who is born with both male and female reproductive organs. She is raised as a girl but begins to exhibit masculine traits as she grows older. The narrative explores her inner conflict, societal expectations, and the consequences of her condition. As she navigates adolescence, she struggles to reconcile her physical appearance with her emerging sense of self. Her family and community are shocked by her development, leading to feelings of isolation and rejection. The story delves into themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on individuals by societal norms. The protagonist's journey serves as a commentary on the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles and the consequences of nonconformity. Ultimately, the narrative presents a tragic outcome, highlighting the devastating effects of societal pressure and the inability to conform to expectations.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 1,681 words
First lines
"Upon my word, I laughed at it as much as the rest," Navarette exclaimed; "I laughed at it with that profound, cruel pitilessness which we all of us, who are well made and vigorous, feel for those whom their step-mother, Nature, has disfigured in some way or other, for those laughable, feeble creatures who are, however, more to be pitied than those poor deformed wretches from whom we turn away in spite of ourselves.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hermaphrodite 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, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 1,681 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hermaphrodite 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Hermaphrodite?
- 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 — Explores the internal struggles and psychological torment of the protagonist due to their unique condition.
- Tragedy — Centers on the protagonist's suffering and tragic life circumstances, leading to a sorrowful conclusion.
- Social Commentary — Critiques societal attitudes towards those who are different, highlighting themes of ridicule and isolation.
- Drama — Contains intense emotional conflicts and dramatic revelations about the protagonist's life and identity.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Identity Crisis · Sexuality · Hermaphroditism · Body Horror · Moral Ambiguity · Satire