The Hole by Guy de Maupassant (1888)
A young man's obsession with a hole in the ground leads to his downfall. He becomes fixated on the idea that something extraordinary lies beneath it and spends all his time digging and exploring the site. His fixation consumes him, causing him to neglect his relationships and responsibilities. The story is a commentary on the destructive nature of obsessive behavior and the consequences of allowing one's passions to consume them.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Tragedy · 3,093 words
First lines
CUTS AND WOUNDS WHICH CAUSED DEATH. That was the heading of the charge which brought Leopold Renard, upholsterer, before the Assize Court.
Round him were the principal witnesses, Madame Flameche, widow of the victim, Louis Ladureau, cabinetmaker, and Jean Durdent, plumber.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hole is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Tragedy, Realism
- Length: 3,093 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hole by Guy de Maupassant
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Hole?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Hole by Guy De Maupassant
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative centers around a courtroom drama involving a charge of manslaughter, with detailed testimonies and character interactions.
- Comedy — The story contains elements of dark humor, particularly in the absurdity of the situation and the interactions between characters.
- Tragedy — The plot involves a tragic accident leading to a man's death, highlighting the unintended consequences of human actions.
- Realism — The writing style and depiction of everyday life, social interactions, and character flaws are characteristic of literary realism.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Existential Crisis · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair · Mental Breakdown · Obsession · Paranoia · Darkness