The Viaticum 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 he had previously known. He begins to pursue her, but she rejects him due to his lack of social standing and financial security. The young man's obsession with the woman grows, and he starts to make plans for their future together despite her repeated rejections. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the young man is not just in love with the woman, but also sees her as a means to elevate his own status. He begins to manipulate those around him, including the woman's family members, to further his own interests. The narrative takes a dark turn when the young man's obsession turns violent and he becomes willing to do whatever it takes to possess the woman. The story ultimately ends in tragedy, with devastating consequences for all involved.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction · 1,908 words
First lines
"After all," Count d'Avorsy said, stirring his tea with the slow movements of a prelate, "what truth was there in anything that was said at Court, almost without any restraint, and did the Empress, whose beauty has been ruined by some secret grief, who will no longer see anyone and who soothes her continual mental weariness by some journeys without an object and without a rest, in foggy and melancholy islands, and did she really forget Caesar's wife ought not even to be suspected, did she really give herself to that strange and attractive corrupter, Ladislas Ferkoz?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Viaticum is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 1,908 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Viaticum 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Viaticum?
- How does this short story by Guy de Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly surrounding themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations.
- Romance — Central to the story is the romantic and tragic relationship between Maria-Gloriosa and Ladislas Ferkoz, highlighting themes of love and loss.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are reminiscent of a historical period, with references to court life and societal norms of the time.
- Tragedy — The story culminates in the death of a central character, emphasizing themes of inevitable loss and sorrow.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · French Literature · Short Story Collection · Existential Crisis · Mortality · Philosophical Themes · Absurdity · Dark Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Bourgeoisie