The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 1 / Boule de Suif and Other Stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21327

Title

The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 1 / Boule de Suif and Other Stories

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A master of French Naturalism, Guy de Maupassant presents a collection of sharp, cynical tales exploring the baser passions of humanity. From the harrowing occupation of a French town by Prussian forces to the grotesque isolation of the ugly and the tragic folly of the wealthy, these stories offer a deft, unilluminating look at the sordid realities of provincial life, desire, and the seven deadly sins.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the grim backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent Prussian occupation of Rouen, Guy de Maupassant's collection opens with the haunting tale of a Baron who unexpectedly reunites with his wife, Bertha, on a train. After six years of separation, she has transformed into a confident, seductive woman who rejects his advances, revealing a complex dynamic of indifference and hidden secrets that leaves the husband bewildered. The narrative then shifts to the brutal reality of war, where a young man named Ulrich is driven to madness by the terror of a ghostly presence haunting his isolated mountain hut. This psychological torment leads to a tragic conclusion involving his loyal dog, Sam, who is torn apart by eagles after Ulrich's descent into insanity. Maupassant further explores the theme of physical repulsion in the story of Antinous Lebeau, a man born with the name of beauty but cursed with extreme ugliness. Despite his deformity, he seeks connection, eventually marrying a woman who is nearly as hideous, only to discover she has seduced a man even more grotesque. Through these varied vignettes, the author employs a cynical, almost detached tone to dissect human nature, exposing the vanity of social appearances, the brutality of war, and the profound loneliness that plagues individuals who cannot fit into the world's narrow standards of beauty or morality. The collection serves as a sharp critique of societal norms, illustrating how fear, desire, and prejudice often override reason and compassion in the face of chaos and suffering.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• French Fiction