The Spasm by Guy de Maupassant
A young woman's life unravels after she experiences a sudden and inexplicable spasm that leaves her paralyzed from the waist down. Her husband becomes obsessed with finding a cure for her condition, while his own dark secrets begin to surface. The story explores themes of love, guilt, and the complexities of human relationships.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Horror, Psychological Fiction, Mystery · 2,426 words
First lines
The hotel guests slowly entered the dining-room and took their places. The waiters did not hurry themselves, in order to give the late comers a chance and thus avoid the trouble of bringing in the dishes a second time. The old bathers, the habitues, whose season was almost over, glanced, gazed toward the door whenever it opened, to see what new faces might appear.
What this Textopian page supports
The Spasm 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: Horror, Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Drama, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 2,426 words
- Structure: 1 section, 64 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Spasm 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 Spasm?
- 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
- The Orphan by Guy De Maupassant
- The Mad Woman by Guy De Maupassant
- The Inn by Guy De Maupassant
- The Last Step by Guy De Maupassant
- The Hand by Guy De Maupassant
- Was It A Dream by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Horror — The story involves themes of being buried alive, a ghostly return, and a chilling atmosphere, which are classic elements of horror.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological impact of trauma on the characters, particularly the father's nervous condition and the daughter's ordeal.
- Mystery — The plot includes a mysterious ailment, a supposed death, and a subsequent revelation of a crime, creating a sense of intrigue and suspense.
- Drama — The story explores intense emotional experiences and relationships, focusing on the father's grief and the daughter's survival.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Naturalism · Existential Crisis · Mental Illness · Anxiety Disorder · Obsessive Behavior · Desperation · Isolation · Loneliness