The Test by Guy De Maupassant (1883)
A young man takes a test to determine his suitability for marriage. The test consists of a series of questions and observations designed to assess the candidate's character, temperament, and compatibility with potential partners. The results are then used by a group of women to select suitable husbands from among the candidates. The story follows the reactions of the young men as they await their test results and the consequences that follow. Throughout the narrative, themes of social class, morality, and the constraints placed on individuals in society are explored.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 3 chapters · 3,925 words
Editions
First lines
A pleasant couple the Bondels, though a little bellicose. They often quarrelled, from trivial causes, and then were reconciled. A retired tradesman who had given up business after amassing enough to live on in accordance with his simple tastes, Bondel had rented a little cottage at Saint Germain, and settled down there with his wife.
What this Textopian page supports
The Test is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism, Social Commentary, Romance
- Length: 3,925 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 130 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Test by Guy De Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Drama — The intense emotional conflicts and character interactions drive the narrative, focusing on personal relationships and societal expectations.
- Psychological Fiction — The exploration of the characters' inner thoughts, doubts, and motivations highlights psychological themes, particularly regarding trust and betrayal.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life, social norms, and the bourgeois lifestyle reflects realistic portrayals of human behavior and societal issues.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal attitudes towards marriage, fidelity, and gossip, revealing underlying moral dilemmas.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Existential Crisis · Mental Health · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair · Suicide · Philosophical Themes · Absurdity