The Man with the Dogs
A middle-aged man returns to his hometown after a long absence and reunites with an old friend who has become wealthy. The two men go on a hunting trip where the narrator's dogs are used for the hunt, but they turn against their owner and attack him. The story explores themes of class, friendship, and the darker aspects of human nature.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1887 · Genre: Drama, Crime, Psychological Fiction · 2,984 words
First lines
His wife, even when talking to him, always called him Monsieur Bistaud, but in all the country round, within a radius of ten leagues in France and Belgium, he was known as _cet homme aux chiens_[5]. It was not a very valuable reputation, however, and "That man with the dogs" became a sort of pariah.
[Footnote 5: That man with the dogs.]
What this Textopian page supports
The Man with the Dogs is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Realism
- Length: 2,984 words
- Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Man with the Dogs by Guy de Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Man with the Dogs?
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- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Drama — The story focuses on intense personal and social conflicts, exploring themes of betrayal, revenge, and societal judgment.
- Crime — The narrative involves illegal activities such as smuggling and the moral ambiguities surrounding law enforcement and crime.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological motivations and inner turmoil of the characters, particularly the protagonist's complex relationship with his wife and dogs.
- Tragedy — The story contains elements of downfall and suffering, culminating in violence and the destruction of relationships.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Dark Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception