
Toine by Guy De Maupassant (1881)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in the military and becomes infatuated with a woman he had previously known. He begins to stalk her, eventually leading to tragic consequences. The narrative explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the destructive nature of unchecked emotions.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Comedy, Realism, Tragedy · 3 chapters · 4,226 words
Editions
First lines
Everybody for ten leagues round knew old 'Toine, "Big 'Toine," 'Toine-Ma-Fine, Antoine Mâcheblé, also nicknamed Brulot -- the tavern-keeper of Tournevent.
He had given celebrity to that little hamlet, hidden in a wrinkle of the valley which sloped down to the sea -- a poor little peasant-village composed of ten Normandy cottages surrounded by ditches and trees.
What this Textopian page supports
Toine is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Guy De Maupassant
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Fable
- Length: 4,226 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 129 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Toine 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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Similar titles
Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is filled with humor derived from the interactions between 'Toine and his wife, as well as the absurdity of his situation.
- Realism — The story portrays everyday life in a rural setting, focusing on the characters' ordinary experiences and social dynamics.
- Tragedy — Despite the comedic elements, the story explores themes of decline and helplessness, particularly through 'Toine's paralysis and his wife's harsh treatment.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on social relationships, gender roles, and the dynamics of rural life, particularly the power struggle between 'Toine and his wife.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Short Story Collection · 19th Century · Existential Crisis · Mental Illness · Isolation · Loneliness · Despair · Philosophical Themes · Absurdity
Contents
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