The Mask by Guy De Maupassant (1883)
A young man returns to his hometown after a long absence and becomes infatuated with an older woman who is married to a wealthy and influential man. He begins to wear a mask to conceal his true identity, allowing him to pursue her without being recognized. As their affair deepens, the young man's obsession with the woman grows, leading to tragic consequences.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 4,040 words
What this Textopian page supports
The Mask is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 4,040 words
- Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Mask 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 Mask?
- How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Mask by Guy De Maupassant
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of identity, aging, and societal expectations through rich character development and nuanced prose.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of life, focusing on the struggles of an aging performer and the harsh realities of social status.
- Drama — The emotional conflicts and character interactions create a dramatic tension that drives the narrative forward.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms regarding youth, beauty, and the superficiality of social interactions.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Symbolism · Mystery · Suspense · Gothic Fiction · Dark Fantasy · Supernatural Elements · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary