What the Colonel Thought
The story revolves around a middle-aged man who has been appointed to a high-ranking position in the military. He is intelligent and capable but lacks confidence due to his humble origins. The Colonel's thoughts reveal his insecurities, fears, and ambitions as he navigates the complexities of military life. As he rises through the ranks, he becomes increasingly consumed by his own ego and desire for recognition. His relationships with others become strained, particularly with his wife who is aware of his inner turmoil. The narrative explores themes of identity, class, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of success and happiness.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1869 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Romantic Fiction · 7,232 words
First lines
"I'm an old man now," said Colonel Laporte. "I've got the gout, and my legs are as stiff as the posts in a fence, but, damme, if a woman, a pretty woman, ordered me to go through the eye of a needle, I believe I'd jump into it like a clown through a hoop. That's how I shall die; it's in the blood. I'm a veteran ladies' man, I am, an old buffer of the old school. The sight of a woman, a pretty woman, stirs me to my boots. I give you my word it does.
"And we're all like that, gentlemen, we Frenchmen. We remain knights to our dying day, the knights of love and hazard, now that they've done away with God, Whose real bodyguard we used to be.
What this Textopian page supports
What the Colonel Thought is listed on Textopian as a novel by Guy De Maupassant, dated 1869 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: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 7,232 words
- Structure: 1 section, 213 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What the Colonel Thought by Guy De Maupassant
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering What the Colonel Thought?
- How does this novel by Guy De Maupassant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, honor, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- War Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of war, focusing on the experiences and emotions of soldiers.
- Romantic Fiction — The story prominently features romantic relationships and the impact of love on the characters' actions.
- Historical Fiction — The events are rooted in a specific historical context, reflecting societal attitudes and conditions of the time.
Tags
French Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Psychological Insight · Colonialism · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Imperialism · Morality Tale · Human Nature · Irony · Dark Humor