The Little One by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young woman who lives with her mother and brother on the outskirts of Paris. She is known for her beauty and innocence. A wealthy man becomes infatuated with her and begins to pursue her, but she rejects his advances due to her strong sense of morality. As time passes, the young woman's family falls into poverty, and she is forced to consider the wealthy man's proposal in order to secure their financial future. However, she ultimately decides against it, choosing instead to maintain her integrity and independence. The story explores themes of morality, class, and the constraints placed on women during this time period.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1869 · Genre: Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Family Drama · 2,481 words
First lines
Monsieur Lemonnier had remained a widower with one child. He had loved his wife madly, with a noble and tender love, that never failed, throughout the whole of their life together. He was a good, honest fellow, simple, very simple in fact, free from diffidence and malice.
Having fallen in love with a poor neighbour, he asked for her hand and married her. He was in a fairly prosperous drapery business, was making quite a good amount of money, and did not for one moment imagine that the girl might not have accepted him for himself alone.
What this Textopian page supports
The Little One is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1869 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: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Family Drama, Realism, Domestic Fiction
- Length: 2,481 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Little One by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Little One?
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Tragedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Wifes Confession by Guy De Maupassant
- Madame Baptiste by Guy De Maupassant
- Queen Hortense by Guy De Maupassant
- Beside The Bed by Guy De Maupassant
- A Womans Confession by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Tragedy — The narrative explores themes of loss, grief, and despair, culminating in a tragic ending.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological complexities of love, obsession, and the impact of loss on the human psyche.
- Family Drama — The plot centers around familial relationships, particularly the bond between a father and his child, and the dynamics with caregivers.
- Realism — The writing style reflects realistic portrayals of everyday life, emotions, and social interactions.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Moral Ambiguity · Tragic Ending · Domestic Drama · Family Secrets