The Parrot by Guy de Maupassant
A middle-aged man buys a parrot that had belonged to a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances. The parrot's incessant repetition of the phrase "Poule!" (French for "hen") drives the man mad, and he eventually hangs himself in his apartment.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1882 · Genre: Horror, Drama, Psychological Fiction · 2,674 words
First lines
I
Everybody in Fecamp knew Mother Patin's story. She had certainly been unfortunate with her husband, for in his lifetime he used to beat her, just as wheat is threshed in the barn.
What this Textopian page supports
The Parrot is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 2,674 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Parrot 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 Parrot?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Beside A Dead Man by Guy De Maupassant
- The Man With The Dogs by Guy De Maupassant
- The Mad Woman by Guy De Maupassant
- Beside A Dead Man by Guy De Maupassant
- A Widow by Guy De Maupassant
- Clochette by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Horror — The story contains elements of psychological horror, with the protagonist experiencing terror and paranoia, believing her deceased husband has returned to haunt her through a parrot.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional and domestic conflict, focusing on the abusive relationship between the protagonist and her husband.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the mental state of the protagonist, highlighting her trauma and fear, which lead to her irrational actions.
- Gothic Fiction — The tale includes gothic elements such as a haunting presence, a stormy setting, and a sense of dread and mystery.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Existential Crisis · Mental Illness · Paranoia · Obsession · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair