Affiche du document What was Really the Matter with Andrew

What was Really the Matter with Andrew

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Matilda cannot wait for her husband to be away so she can invite Captain Sommerive into her house and heart. But as their love affair grows more passionate, Matilda begins to see that the secret could cost her everything. With her fifteen month old son crying at the very sight of her lover, and the Captain himself growing bolder by the minute, it seems inevitable that Matilda’s husband must discover the betrayal. In this short story Maupassant paints a dark and satirical portrayal of the lives of women, exploring the tragedy of a cycle of neglect with pointed wit and a wicked sense of humour. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, often referred to as the father of the short story. A prolific writer, his best known works include "Bel-Ami", "Une Vie" and "The Necklace", alongside some 300 short stories, travel books, and poetry. A master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are drawn to themes of war, the working class, and the human condition. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, and Henry James.
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Affiche du document The Impolite Sex

The Impolite Sex

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
Madame de X. writes letters to Madame de L. - lots of letters. She writes about her relationship struggles, the difficulty of love, and most importantly, men. Madame de X. simply cannot believe their lack of manners, composure, and tact. A series of seemingly polite letters quickly transforms into a fast-paced and witty yet heated exchange. This epistolary adventure is unmissable for those who enjoyed Anton Chekhov's short stories. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document The Model

The Model

Guy De Maupassant

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Jean Summer is a famous painter. Although he is praised by a lot of people for his character, he deems his marriage to a young disabled woman to be a burden. He believes that he is shackled to her, doomed to accompany her everywhere until the end of time. An observer approaches him, questioned his situation, but the observer could never have predicted the answer that he received. 'The Model' is written almost like a parable against marriage, proving how dysfunctional marriage can be, especially when misogyny is involved. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document The First Snowfall

The First Snowfall

Guy De Maupassant

06min45

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9 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 7min.
A young woman escapes her dreary castle in Normandy to seek the sunshine of Cannes. As she encounters multiple misfortunes, she is plagued by memories of her unhappy marriage. She runs into an existential dilemma about which path to follow, influenced greatly by her unique experiences in Normandy. A tragic tale of misunderstandings, and the sacrifices that even the healthiest relationships demand, 'The First Snowfall' is perfect for fans of Sylvia Plath's 'The Bell Jar'. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document The Hand

The Hand

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Sir John Rowell's death is shrouded in mystery, and the judge who narrates his story essentially turns it into a scary campfire story. Elements of hunting, sea voyaging, and savagery make this story enticing for fans of R.M Ballantyne. "The Hand" is another example of Maupassant’s experiments with the supernatural and once again it proves fruitful and successful. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document The Piece Of String

The Piece Of String

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Maitre Hauchecome spots a piece of string on the ground during his walk into town. As he bends down to pick it up, he could never have imagined the chaos that would soon ensue. His arch-nemesis Maitre Malandain is laying in wait. Hauchecome has walked straight into a trap intended to demolish his reputation in one blow. "The Piece of String" is an atmospheric revenge tale that portrays human nature, human cruelty, and malice that knows no limits. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document Simon's Papa

Simon's Papa

Guy De Maupassant

06min45

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9 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 7min.
Can children be even crueller than adults? Left without a father, Simon is being tortured by his peеrs to the point when he attempts a suicide. Luckily enough, the local blacksmith, Phillip Remy, takes him under his wing. In this heartbreaking drama, Guy de Maupassant, touches the readers’ feelings by exploring human cruelty and challenging societal stereotypes. Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.
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Affiche du document The Fishing Hole

The Fishing Hole

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Leopold Renard always fishes in the same spot. One Sunday he and his wife arrive at their favorite spot only to find it already occupied by another couple. And not only that – but they are catching fish after fish. Fuelled by Renard's jealousy, a battle of remarks and biting commentary commences. A humorous yet tragic story, Maupassant's ability to deconstruct the human condition proves how quickly things can turn ugly over trivialities. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document The Farmer's Wife

The Farmer's Wife

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
On their trip to a Norman hunting ground, our narrator and Baron Rene du Treilles encounter a local farmer. His apparent devotion to the baron shocks the narrator. As they retire for the day, the Baron settles down to tell the story of their profound connection. Splendid descriptions, emotional musings, and captivating characters make this short story an immersive read. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.
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Affiche du document The Relic

The Relic

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
"The Relic" is a love story in which Henry Fontal, a young man, writes to his old friend Abbe to help him in a very strange predicament. His engagement to Abbe’s niece has collapsed due to a present he has brought back from his trip. Now he wants Abbe to assist him in any way possible in order for his beloved to fall in love with him once again. A light-hearted, entertaining, and somewhat religious tale, "The Relic" is about ordering one’s priorities and testing man's capabilities to love and understand. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as a master of the short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.
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Affiche du document Mademoiselle Fifi

Mademoiselle Fifi

Guy De Maupassant

09min00

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12 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 09min.
"Something that he was going to say was cut short in his throat, and he sat there with his mouth half open and a terrible look in his eyes." A group of vulgar and disrespectful Prussian soldiers have seized a beautiful manor in Normandy, passing endless days with drinking, womanizing and vandalising. The worst of the soldiers is a man who goes by the name ''Mademoiselle Fifi" and he thinks he can get away with just about anything. But when he tries to have his way with a Jewish sex worker named Rachel, he has another thing coming. In 'Mademoiselle Fifi', the little guy – or girl – wins, which makes for a satisfying reading experience. The short story was adapted to screen in 1944 by Robert Wise, who would later go on to direct the Oscar winning movies 'West Side Story' (1961) and 'The Sound of Music' (1965). Guy de Maupassant (1850 – 1893) was a French author and one of the fathers of the modern short story. His mother, Laure Le Poittevin, was an extremely well-read woman and introduced him to literature at a young age. Maupassant wrote six novels and over 300 short stories, the first and most famous being 'Boule de Suif' (1880).
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Affiche du document In the Wood

In the Wood

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
"In the Wood" is a romantic and humorous story about two middle-aged lovers who decide to revisit the spot of their first acquaintance in order to rekindle their love life. Little do they know that a policeman is about to ruin their frivolous decision. Maupassant’s knowledge of the human soul and his elegant handling of natural surroundings create a vivid atmosphere where love and memories create a symphony that echoes in the hearts of everyone involved. A perfect light reading for relaxation and poetry-lovers.
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Affiche du document The Accursed Bread

The Accursed Bread

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
A widower and a loving father of three girls, old Taille is described as a model workman. He provides for his family with honest labour and enjoys a good reputation until his oldest daughter, Anna, runs away and mysteriously turns into one of the richest people in town. Can a family connection once broken be restored? Can money buy happiness and respect? Discover this complex family drama by the Master of the short story, Guy de Maupassant.
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Affiche du document Garçon, un bock !...

Garçon, un bock !...

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Un peu après diner, le narrateur erre dans les rues de Paris. Comme il fait froid et qu'une fine pluie recouvre les trottoirs, il décide par hasard d'entrer dans une brasserie. L'endroit est bondé, et pour ne pas être trop serré, il s'assoit à coté d'un homme à la descente facile, qui hurle en refrain: «Garçon, un bock!» Alors que le narrateur dévisage l'alcoolique, celui-ci s'écrit: «Tu ne me reconnais pas?» C'est Des Barrets, un vieil ami de collège... Parue en 1884 dans le recueil Miss Harriet, «Garçon, un bock!...», est une nouvelle des plus touchantes, qui raconte la triste histoire de Des Barrets, un habitué des cafés. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) est un écrivain et journaliste français né au bord du littoral normand. Sa mère, douée d’une grande culture littéraire, participe à son éducation tournée vers les livres. Il passe le reste de son temps dans la campagne ou les ports, à converser avec pêcheurs et paysans qui lui serviront d’inspiration plus tard pour quelques personnages. À 12 ans, il est envoyé en pension où la religion, très présente, anime en lui un dégoût pour le sacré. Après le lycée, il est mobilisé en 1870 pour la guerre contre la Prusse. Un an plus tard, il fait ses bagages pour Paris où il y travaille comme fonctionnaire au Ministère de la Marine pendant 10 ans. En février 1875, il publie son premier conte, «La Main écorchée». Maupassant est très vite ennuyé par l’administration. Le soir, il travaille d'arrache-pied à ses œuvres littéraires ; et aux alentours de 1880, il se consacre pleinement à sa passion. C’est Flaubert qui l’introduit au monde de la littérature professionnelle. Il rencontre des auteurs réalistes, Zola, et les frères Goncourt. Maupassant fait un départ lent, mais il connaît bientôt le succès avec «Boule de Suif». Avec Zola qu’il côtoie aux Soirées de Médan, s’ensuivent de nombreuses nouvelles, toutes plus cultes les unes que les autres: «La ficelle» (1883), «La parure» (1884) ou «Le Horla» (1887). Il publie aussi des romans réalistes: «Une vie» en 1883, «Bel-Ami» en 1885 et «Pierre et Jean» en 1888. Guy de Maupassant, reconnu de son vivant, l’est aussi dans la mort: de nombreuses adaptations à l’écran renouvellent encore aujourd’hui ses œuvres intemporelles.
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Affiche du document L'Abandonné

L'Abandonné

Guy De Maupassant

06min45

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9 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 7min.
Il y a quarante ans, Mme Cadour est tombée enceinte de son amant et a accouché dans le dos de son mari. Son fils illégitime tout juste né, on l'a pris, emporté, et caché. Aujourd'hui elle sait seulement qu'il a été élevé par des paysans normands et qu'il est devenu père. Dans l'espoir de le retrouver, Mme Cadour part aux côtés de son amant à la recherche de leur fils abandonné. Maupassant dresse la fresque d'une femme blessée par un mariage où l'amour s'est éteint. Derrière l'adultère et une grossesse secrète se cache l'incroyable récit d'une retrouvaille d'un fils et de sa mère. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) est un écrivain et journaliste français né au bord du littoral normand. Sa mère, douée d’une grande culture littéraire, participe à son éducation tournée vers les livres. Il passe le reste de son temps dans la campagne ou les ports, à converser avec pêcheurs et paysans qui lui serviront d’inspiration plus tard pour quelques personnages. À 12 ans, il est envoyé en pension où la religion, très présente, anime en lui un dégoût pour le sacré. Après le lycée, il est mobilisé en 1870 pour la guerre contre la Prusse. Un an plus tard, il fait ses bagages pour Paris où il y travaille comme fonctionnaire au Ministère de la Marine pendant 10 ans. En février 1875, il publie son premier conte, «La Main écorchée». Maupassant est très vite ennuyé par l’administration. Le soir, il travaille d'arrache-pied à ses œuvres littéraires ; et aux alentours de 1880, il se consacre pleinement à sa passion. C’est Flaubert qui l’introduit au monde de la littérature professionnelle. Il rencontre des auteurs réalistes, Zola, et les frères Goncourt. Maupassant fait un départ lent, mais il connaît bientôt le succès avec «Boule de Suif». Avec Zola qu’il côtoie aux Soirées de Médan, s’ensuivent de nombreuses nouvelles, toutes plus cultes les unes que les autres: «La ficelle» (1883), «La parure» (1884) ou «Le Horla» (1887). Il publie aussi des romans réalistes: «Une vie» en 1883, «Bel-Ami» en 1885 et «Pierre et Jean» en 1888. Guy de Maupassant, reconnu de son vivant, l’est aussi dans la mort: de nombreuses adaptations à l’écran renouvellent encore aujourd’hui ses œuvres intemporelles.
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