Wife and Mistress
The story revolves around a middle-aged man who has been married for many years and has become disillusioned with his wife's lack of passion and affection. He begins an affair with a younger woman, but soon finds himself torn between the two women. As the relationship with the mistress deepens, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her youth and beauty, while also feeling guilty about abandoning his wife. The wife, on the other hand, is aware of her husband's infidelity and has become numb to it, having grown accustomed to his absence. The story explores themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the ways in which people can be both cruel and vulnerable at the same time.
By Guy de Maupassant · First published 1884 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Realism · 2,980 words
First lines
It was not only her long, silky curls, which covered her small, fairy-like head, like a golden halo, nor her beautiful complexion, nor her mouth, which was like some delicate shell, nor was it her supreme innocence, which was shown by her sudden blushes, and by her somewhat awkward movements, nor was it her ingenious questions which had assailed and conquered George d'Harderme's heart. He had a peculiar temper, and any appearance of a yoke frightened him and put him to flight immediately, and his unstable heart was ready to yield to any temptation, and he was incapable of any lasting attachment, while a succession of women had left no more traces on it than on the seashore, which is constantly being swept by the waves.
What this Textopian page supports
Wife and Mistress is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Guy de Maupassant
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 2,980 words
- Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wife and Mistress 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 Wife and Mistress?
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Similar titles
- A Reckless Passion by Guy De Maupassant
- A Wicked Woman by Jack London
- Indiscretion by Guy De Maupassant
- Notre Coeur by Guy De Maupassant
- Madame De Mauves by Henry James
- Pauls Mistress by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional conflicts and personal relationships, particularly the dissolution of a marriage.
- Romance — The story explores themes of love, passion, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
- Realism — The writing style and plot reflect realistic portrayals of societal norms and personal struggles.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the inner thoughts and emotional turmoil of the characters, particularly the protagonist's mental state.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Marriage · Infidelity · Love Triangle · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Morality · Ethics · Relationships · Drama