The Twenty-Five Francs of the Mother-Superior

Name: The Twenty-Five Francs of the Mother-Superior
Author: Guy de Maupassant

A young woman, a novice nun, is sent to a convent where she meets the Mother-Superior who has been embezzling funds from the convent's charity work. The Mother-Superior blackmails the young woman into stealing money for her, threatening to reveal her past if she does not comply.

By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Drama · 2,375 words

First lines

He certainly looked very droll, did Daddy Pavilly, with his great, spider legs and his little body, his long arms and his pointed head, surrounded by a flame of red hair on the top of the crown.

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The Twenty-Five Francs of the Mother-Superior is listed on Textopian as a novella by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1883 CE.

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Work type: Novella
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Satire, Drama, Social Commentary, Realism
Length: 2,375 words
Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The story revolves around the humorous antics and misadventures of the protagonist, Daddy Pavilly, whose clownish behavior and mishaps provide comedic relief.
Satire — The narrative satirizes rural life and the simplicity of the peasant class, using Pavilly's character to highlight the absurdity and folly of human nature.
Drama — Underlying the comedic elements is a dramatic exploration of Pavilly's life, his interactions with others, and the consequences of his actions.
Social Commentary — The story offers insights into societal norms and the treatment of individuals based on class and behavior, particularly through the interactions between Pavilly and the hospital staff.