The Log by Guy De Maupassant (1883)
The story revolves around a young man who becomes obsessed with a log that has been floating down the Seine River. He sees it as a symbol of his own life and struggles to come to terms with its impermanence. The narrative explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the human condition through the protagonist's fixation on the log.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Romance · 2,300 words
Editions
First lines
It was a small drawing room, with thick hangings, and with a faint aromatic smell of scent in the air. A large fire was burning in the grate, and one lamp, covered with a shade of old lace, on the corner of the mantelpiece threw a soft light on to the two persons who were talking.
What this Textopian page supports
The Log is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Romance, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 2,300 words
- Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Log 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
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Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the psychological impact of love and friendship.
- Drama — The story unfolds in a dramatic setting with intense interpersonal conflicts and emotional tension between characters.
- Romance — Themes of love, attraction, and the complications arising from romantic relationships are central to the plot.
- Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development and thematic depth, focusing on the intricacies of human relationships.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story Collection · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Human Nature · Morality · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Alienation