The Sign by Guy De Maupassant (1883)
A young man returns to his hometown after a long absence and becomes infatuated with a woman who is engaged to be married. He tries to win her over but ultimately fails, leading to tragic consequences. The story explores themes of love, obsession, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 2,818 words
First lines
The little Marquise de Rennedon was still asleep, in the warm scented room, in her soft low wide bed, between her sheets of fine lawn, as fragile as love, as caressing as a kiss; she slept alone, peacefully, the deep happy sleep of the divorced.
She was awakened by the sound of sharp voices in the little blue drawing room. She recognised her dearest friend, the little Baroness de Grangerie, arguing her right to come in with the maid who was guarding her mistress's door.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sign is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,818 words
- Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sign 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 Sign?
- How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Door by Guy De Maupassant
- Brooksmith by Henry James
- In The Wood by Guy De Maupassant
- Room No Eleven by Guy De Maupassant
- The Dead Woman by Guy De Maupassant
- Old Amable by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, gender roles, and societal expectations through nuanced character interactions.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of social dynamics and personal dilemmas faced by women in a specific historical context.
- Drama — The tension and emotional conflict between characters drive the plot, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
- Psychological Fiction — The internal thoughts and motivations of the characters reveal their psychological states and societal pressures.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Symbolism · Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Paranoia · Obsession · Madness · Isolation