What was Really the Matter with Andrew
The story revolves around a young man who has been institutionalized for being mentally unstable. He is described as having an intense and unrelenting desire to be loved by his mother, which is seen as the root cause of his problems. The narrative explores the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between love and obsession.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 2,323 words
First lines
The lawyer's house looked on to the Square. Behind it, there was a nice, well-kept garden, with a back entrance into a narrow street which was almost always deserted, and from which it was separated by a wall.
At the bottom of that garden Maitre[14] Moreau's wife had promised, for the first time, to meet Captain Sommerive, who had been making love to her for a long time.
What this Textopian page supports
What was Really the Matter with Andrew is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism, Tragedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,323 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What was Really the Matter with Andrew 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 What was Really the Matter with Andrew?
- How does this novella 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 conflicts and moral dilemmas, particularly involving infidelity and domestic issues.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological motivations and inner turmoil of the characters, especially the wife's guilt and the captain's manipulative behavior.
- Realism — The writing style and setting reflect a realistic portrayal of 19th-century domestic life and societal norms.
- Tragedy — The plot involves elements of personal downfall and suffering, particularly through the consequences of the characters' actions.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Short Story · French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Satire · Irony · Critique of Bourgeoisie · Class Struggle · Alienation · Identity Crisis · Coming of Age