The Upstart by Guy de Maupassant
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes infatuated with a woman from a lower social class. He begins an affair with her, but their relationship is complicated by the societal norms of the time. As the affair progresses, the young man's obsession with the woman grows, and he starts to neglect his relationships with his family and friends. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, causing concern among those around him. The story explores themes of class, social status, and the constraints placed on individuals by societal expectations. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the destructive nature of unchecked desire. Ultimately, the young man's actions lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the devastating effects of his all-consuming passion for the woman.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1882 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Drama · 1,718 words
First lines
You know good-natured, stout Dupontel, who looks like the type of a happy man, with his fat cheeks that are the color of ripe apples, his small, reddish moustache, turned up over his thick lips, with his prominent eyes, which never know any emotion or sorrow, which remind one of the calm eyes of cows and oxen, and his long back fixed onto two little wriggling, crooked legs, which obtained for him the nickname of corkscrew from some nymph of the ballet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Upstart is listed on Textopian as a short story by Guy de Maupassant, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Realism
- Length: 1,718 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Gambara by Honore De Balzac
- An Honest Ideal by Guy De Maupassant
- That Pig Of A Morin by Guy De Maupassant
- A Party by Guy De Maupassant
- The Danger Of Being Too Innocent by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Satire — The narrative critiques social pretensions and the absurdities of the nouveau riche, using humor and irony.
- Comedy — The story employs comedic elements through the protagonist's foolishness and the farcical situations he finds himself in.
- Drama — The plot involves personal relationships, betrayal, and emotional conflict, typical of dramatic storytelling.
- Romance — The narrative includes themes of love and marriage, albeit with a cynical twist.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Ambition · Rise to Power · Corruption · Morality · Society Satire · Critique of Capitalism · Individualism vs Collectivism · Power Dynamics