The New Sensation
The novel revolves around a young man who becomes infatuated with a woman he meets at a ball. He begins to pursue her relentlessly, showering her with gifts and attention, but she remains aloof and unresponsive. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the woman is not interested in him romantically, but rather sees him as a means to an end - a way to gain access to his family's wealth and social status. The young man, however, refuses to accept this reality and continues to pursue her, even when she makes it clear that she has no intention of reciprocating his feelings. The novel explores themes of obsession, class, and the societal pressures that can drive individuals to behave in ways that are destructive to themselves and others.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1889 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction · 1,695 words
First lines
That little Madame d'Ormonde certainly had the devil in her, but above all, a fantastic, baffling brain, through which the most unheard of caprices passed, in which ideas danced and jostled each other, like those pieces of different colored glass in a kaleidoscope, which form such strange figures when they have been shaken, in which _Parisine_ was fermenting to such an extent -- you know, _Parisine_, the analysis of which Roqueplan lately gave -- that the most learned members of _The Institute_ would have wasted his science and his wisdom if he had tried to follow her slips and her subterfuges.
What this Textopian page supports
The New Sensation is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Satire
- Length: 1,695 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The New Sensation 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The New Sensation?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The narrative centers on themes of love, desire, and romantic pursuit, particularly focusing on the relationship between Madame d'Ormonde and Xavier de Fontrailles.
- Drama — The story involves emotional tension, personal conflicts, and the dramatic pursuit of affection, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological motivations and inner workings of the characters, especially Madame d'Ormonde's enigmatic personality and Xavier's obsession.
- Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on societal norms and the nature of romantic relationships, subtly critiquing the roles and expectations of men and women.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Short Story Collection · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Human Nature · Society Satire · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Moral Ambiguity