The Return by Guy De Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He is met with indifference and hostility by the townspeople, who are suspicious of his intentions. As he navigates the town, he encounters various characters who reveal their own secrets and flaws. The protagonist's past mistakes come back to haunt him, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Through a series of events, the protagonist's character is revealed, showcasing his growth and transformation as he grapples with his past and present. Ultimately, the story presents a nuanced portrayal of human nature, highlighting the imperfections and contradictions that define us all.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Realism, Drama, Literary Fiction · 2,484 words
First lines
The sea is fretting the shore with small recurring waves. Small white clouds pass rapidly across the wide blue sky, swept along like birds by the swift wind; and the village, in a fold of a valley which descends to the sea, lies drowsing in the sun. By the side of the road, at the very entrance to the village, stands the lonely dwelling of the Martin-Lévesques. It is a small fisherman's cottage with clay walls and a roof of thatch made gay with tufts of blue iris. There is a square patch of front garden the size of a pocket-handkerchief, containing onions, some cabbages, parsley, and chevril, and separated from the road by a hedge.
What this Textopian page supports
The Return 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: Realism, Drama, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,484 words
- Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Return by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Last Step by Guy De Maupassant
- The Old Man by Guy De Maupassant
- Letter Found On A Drowned Man by Guy De Maupassant
- The Mad Woman by Guy De Maupassant
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on everyday life, depicting the struggles and emotions of ordinary characters in a realistic setting.
- Drama — The story revolves around intense emotional conflicts and personal relationships, particularly the reunion of a family.
- Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development and thematic depth, exploring complex human emotions and social issues.
- Psychological Fiction — The characters' internal struggles and emotional responses to their circumstances are central to the plot.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Mental Illness · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair · Suicide · Death