Useless Beauty by Guy De Maupassant
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes disillusioned with her marriage and seeks excitement through various affairs. Her husband's death sets off a chain of events that exposes her true nature, revealing a complex web of deceit and manipulation. The story explores themes of beauty, morality, and the societal pressures placed on women during this time period.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 8,346 words
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Useless Beauty is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance, Tragedy
- Length: 8,346 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 221 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Useless Beauty by Guy De Maupassant
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Useless Beauty?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Drama — The intense emotional conflict between the characters drives the narrative, focusing on personal relationships and societal expectations.
- Psychological Fiction — The exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and motivations reveals deep psychological struggles, particularly regarding jealousy and identity.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms surrounding marriage, motherhood, and gender roles, reflecting on the constraints placed on women.
- Romance — The complex romantic dynamics between the husband and wife highlight themes of love, betrayal, and desire.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Short Story Collection · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Critique of Bourgeoisie · Existential Themes · Alienation · Loneliness · Disillusionment · Morality · Philosophical