The Terror by Guy de Maupassant
A young man returns to his hometown after a long absence and becomes embroiled in a series of events that lead him to commit a heinous crime, which he then tries to cover up. The story explores themes of guilt, shame, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions. The protagonist's actions are driven by a complex mix of motivations, including a desire for revenge against those who wronged him in the past. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the young man is trapped in a cycle of violence and retaliation, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The story raises questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of one's actions. The novel is characterized by its dark and atmospheric tone, which creates a sense of foreboding and unease in the reader. The author's use of language is concise and effective, building tension and suspense as the story hurtles towards its tragic conclusion.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Psychological Horror, Gothic Fiction, Literary Fiction · 3,098 words
First lines
You say you cannot possibly understand it, and I believe you. You think I am losing my mind? Perhaps I am, but for other reasons than those you imagine, my dear friend.
Yes, I am going to be married, and will tell you what has led me to take that step.
I may add that I know very little of the girl who is going to become my wife to-morrow; I have only seen her four or five times. I know that there is nothing unpleasing about her, and that is enough for my purpose. She is small, fair, and stout; so, of course, the day after to-morrow I shall ardently wish for a tall, dark, thin woman.
What this Textopian page supports
The Terror is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Horror, Gothic Fiction, Literary Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 3,098 words
- Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Terror 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
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Similar titles
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- The Dead Woman by Guy De Maupassant
- The Door by Guy De Maupassant
- Fear by Guy De Maupassant
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- A Vendetta by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Psychological Horror — The narrative explores the protagonist's intense fear and paranoia, delving into the psychological terror of being haunted by one's own mind.
- Gothic Fiction — The story features elements typical of Gothic fiction, such as a sense of dread, isolation, and the supernatural, even if the supernatural is ultimately a product of the protagonist's imagination.
- Literary Fiction — The work is characterized by its focus on the internal experiences and existential fears of the protagonist, emphasizing introspection and the human condition.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that focuses on a single, intense experience, typical of the short story format.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Short Story Collection · French Literature · Dark Fiction · Mystery · Suspense · Horror · Paranoia · Anxiety · Fear · Isolation · Loneliness