The Patron by Guy de Maupassant

Name: The Patron
Author: Guy de Maupassant

A young woman's life unravels after she becomes embroiled in a complicated affair with an older man who has promised to marry her. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he has no intention of fulfilling his promise, and she is left to face the consequences of her own desires.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1886 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Drama · 2,054 words

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First lines

We never dreamed of such good fortune! The son of a provincial bailiff, Jean Marin had come, as do so many others, to study law in the Quartier Latin. In the various beer-houses that he had frequented he had made friends with several talkative students who spouted politics as they drank their beer. He had a great admiration for them and followed them persistently from cafe to cafe, even paying for their drinks when he had the money.

He became a lawyer and pleaded causes, which he lost. However, one morning he read in the papers that one of his former comrades of the Quartier had just been appointed deputy.

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The Patron is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1886 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Drama, Political Fiction, Realism
Length: 2,054 words
Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Satire — The story uses humor and irony to critique social and political structures, particularly the naivety and pretentiousness of the protagonist.
Comedy — The narrative contains humorous elements and situations, especially in the protagonist's misguided attempts to gain influence and prestige.
Drama — The plot involves personal and professional conflicts, focusing on the protagonist's rise and fall in social status.
Political Fiction — The story explores themes related to political ambition and the workings of government, highlighting the protagonist's interactions with political figures.