The String by Guy De Maupassant

Name: The String
Author: Guy De Maupassant

The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and gives birth to a child, but the baby dies shortly after birth. The woman's husband is devastated by the loss of his child and begins to withdraw from society. As time passes, the woman starts to feel trapped in her marriage and longs for freedom and independence. She begins an affair with a young man who represents a carefree and exciting life. However, this new relationship also brings its own set of problems and complications. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the constraints placed on women during that time period. The woman's desire for autonomy and self-expression is ultimately thwarted by societal expectations and her own circumstances.

By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1888 · Genre: Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 2,810 words

First lines

Along all the roads around Goderville the peasants and their wives were coming toward the little town, for it was market day. The men were proceeding with slow steps, the whole body bent forward at each movement of their long twisted legs, deformed by their hard work, by the weight on the plough which, at the same time, raised the left shoulder and distorted the figure, by the reaping of the wheat which made them spread their knees to get a firm stand, by all the slow and painful labours of the country. Their blouses, blue, starched, shining as if varnished, ornamented with a little design in white at the neck and wrists, puffed about their bony bodies, seemed like balloons ready to carry them off. From each of them a head, two arms, and two feet protruded.

What this Textopian page supports

The String is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Short Story
Length: 2,810 words
Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The String 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 String?
How does this short story by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Realism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Realism — The narrative focuses on the everyday lives of peasants, depicting their struggles and social dynamics with a stark, unembellished style.
Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall stems from a misunderstanding and societal judgment, leading to his ultimate demise.
Social Commentary — The story critiques social perceptions, reputation, and the consequences of gossip within a rural community.
Psychological Fiction — The internal conflict and mental deterioration of the protagonist highlight the psychological impact of social stigma and shame.