The Signal by Guy de Maupassant
A young man returns to his hometown after a long absence and becomes infatuated with a woman who is engaged to be married. He begins an affair with her, but ultimately realizes that he cannot compete with the social status of her fiancé. The story explores themes of love, class, and the constraints of societal expectations.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Drama · 2,723 words
First lines
The little Marchioness de Rennedon was still asleep in her closed and perfumed bedroom, in her soft, low bed, between her sheets of delicate cambric, fine as lace and caressing as a kiss; she was sleeping alone and tranquil, the happy and profound sleep of divorced women.
She was awakened by loud voices in the little blue drawing-room, and she recognized her dear friend, the little Baroness de Grangerie, who was disputing with the lady's maid, because the latter would not allow her to go into her mistress' room. So the little Marchioness got up, opened the door, drew back the door-hangings and showed her head, nothing but her fair head, hidden under a cloud of hair.
What this Textopian page supports
The Signal 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: Comedy, Satire, Drama, Social Commentary, Romance
- Length: 2,723 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Signal by Guy de Maupassant
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is infused with humor, particularly in the absurdity of the situation and the protagonist's reactions.
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and the behavior of the upper class through exaggerated scenarios.
- Drama — The plot revolves around personal conflict and emotional tension, especially concerning the protagonist's predicament.
- Social Commentary — The narrative offers insights into the social dynamics and gender roles of the time.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Symbolism · Mystery · Suspense · Guilt · Obsession · Isolation · Loneliness · Paranoia