The Umbrella by Guy de Maupassant
A middle-aged man stands under an umbrella on a rainy day, contemplating his life and the meaninglessness of human existence. He reflects on how people are driven by their desires and fears, and how they often settle for mediocrity rather than pursuing their true passions. The story explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the search for purpose in a seemingly meaningless world.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Domestic Fiction · 3,700 words
First lines
Madame Oreille was a very economical woman; she thoroughly knew the value of a half-penny, and possessed a whole store-house of strict principles with regard to the multiplication of money, so that her servant found the greatest difficulty in making what servants call their "market-penny," while her husband had great difficulty in getting any pocket-money at all. They were, however, very comfortably off, and had no children. It really pained. Mme Oreille to see any money spent; it was like tearing at her heartstrings when she had to take any of those silver pieces out of her pocket; and whenever she had to spend anything, no matter how necessary it was, she slept badly the next night.
What this Textopian page supports
The Umbrella 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: Comedy, Satire, Domestic Fiction, Short Story, Realism
- Length: 3,700 words
- Structure: 1 section, 121 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Umbrella by Guy de Maupassant
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Comedy — The story is characterized by humorous situations and the absurdity of the characters' actions, particularly in the interactions between Madame Oreille and her husband.
- Satire — The narrative critiques societal norms and human behavior, especially the obsession with money and appearances, through exaggerated characters and situations.
- Domestic Fiction — The plot revolves around the everyday life and domestic issues of a married couple, focusing on their interactions and personal conflicts.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that focuses on a single incident, typical of the short story format.
Tags
Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Tragic Love · Unrequited Love · Loneliness · Isolation · Melancholy · Despair · Futility · Existential Crisis