He is also a novelist and poet. This story is one of his most well-known works. Widely regarded as the Father of Modern Short Story writing, Guy de Maupassant was one of the greatest French writers in the 19th century. Henry-Ren-Albert-Guy de Maupassant was the eldest of the two children of Gustave and Laure, born on Aug. 5, 1850 in Dieppe, France. Flauberts sudden and unexpected death in 1880 was a grievous blow to Maupassant. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Guy de Maupassant - Mature life and works | Britannica There aremany amazing work which was made by Maupassant in 10 years, includingseveral non-fiction books,300 short stories, and six novels. Most Popular. In the absence of the father, Maupassant's mother became the most influential figure in the young boy's life. Explore the life of Guy de Maupassant, the influences on his . When Maupassant was 11 and his brother Herv was five, his mother, an independent-minded woman, risked social disgrace to obtain a legal separation from her husband, who was violent towards her. Maupassants story, Boule de suif (Ball of Fat), was not only by far the best of the six. He often ate lunch in the restaurant at its base, not out of preference for the food but because only there could he avoid seeing its otherwise unavoidable profile. The hero of Bel-Ami ("Good Friend"), Georges Duroy, arrives in Paris as an innocent from the provinces, but in realizing the ascendant power of journalism, rapidly apprehends (and . He delighted in clever plotting and his style of writing influenced Somerset Maugham and O. Henry. When he was eleven years old, his mother separated from his father. Hes my disciple and I love him like a son, Flaubert said of Maupassant. He was later admitted into a private mental institute, Esprit Blanche at Passy, in Paris. One of his famous short stories, "The Necklace", was imitated with a twist by Maugham ("Mr Know-All", "A String of Beads"). In the autumn of 1869 he began law studies in Paris, which were interrupted by the outbreak of the Franco-German War. Guy de Maupassant is regarded as the best French writer of short stories. Maupassant was the elder of the two children of Gustave and Laure de Maupassant. He was very devoted to his mother, who was a well-read woman with a passion for classical literature. Kate Chopin's"The Story of an Hour and Guy de Maupassant's The Necklace Flaubert would prove to be a major influence on de Maupassant's life and career. Also Known As: Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant, siblings: Creig de Maupassant, Herv de Maupassant, Notable Alumni: Lyce Pierre-Corneille, Lyce Henri-IV, education: Lyce Henri-IV, Lyce Pierre-Corneille, Quotes By Guy De Maupassant | He later attended the Institution Leroy-Petit, in Rouen, a private school. Laure sent her son to make Flauberts acquaintance at Croisset in 1867, and when he returned to Paris after the war, she asked Flaubert to keep an eye on him. Two years saw six new books of short stories: Mademoiselle Fifi (1883), Contes de la bcasse (1883; Tales of the Goose), Clair de lune, Les Soeurs Rondoli (The Rondoli Sisters), Yvette, and Miss Harriet. What is Guy de Maupassant best known for? He used Maufrigneuse from 1881 to 1885. "Was it a Dream? Perhaps his best-known work, "The Necklace," tells the story of Mathilde, a working-class girl who borrows a necklace from a wealthy friend when she attends a high society party. At age thirteen, Maupassant was placed as a day boarder together with his brother in a private school. ", Rougle, Charles. Here are 5 of the best facts about De Maupassant The Necklace and De Maupassant Guy I managed to collect. He attempted suicide in 1892 and was committed to an asylum, where he died at age 42. Author Alphonse Libert. A protege of Flaubert, Maupassant's short stories are characterized by their economy of style and their efficient effortless dnouement. He Retained a Marked Hostility to Region at a Tender Age At age thirteen, Maupassant was placed as a day boarder together with his brother in a private school. The suicide attempt was believed to be a result of his impaired mental state. It's believed de Maupassant was born at the Chteau de Miromesniel, Dieppe on Aug. 5, 1850. He wrote 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of verse. He moved to the lyce at Le Havre and passed his baccalaureate the following year. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guy-de-Maupassant, New York Review Books - Guy de Maupassant, All Poetry - Biography of Guy de Maupassant, Guy de Maupassant - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The following year, his book of short stories titled, Mademoiselle Fifi' was published. Fun Paris Facts That Will Probably Haven't Heard Of! Bel-Ami is drawn from the authors observation of the world of sharp businessmen and cynical journalists in Paris. He felt a decided antipathy for this form of life and deliberately engineered his own expulsion for some trivial offense in 1868. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. ThoughtCo. His paternal ancestors were noble, and his maternal grandfather Paul Le Poittevin was the artist Gustave Flaubert's godfather. Maupassant was one of six writers, led by Zola, who each contributed a short story on the Franco-German War to a volume called Les Soires de Mdan. "Certain Madness: Guy de Maupassant and Hypnotism". [8] She was an exceptionally well-read woman and was very fond of classical literature, particularly Shakespeare. That is why he died ininsane asylum. The turning point came in April 1880, the month before Flauberts death. Guy is also well known as, Remembered as one of France's greatest short story writers, de Maupassant penned an 1880 masterpiece titled "Boule de Suif" ("Butterball") and went on to write many other popular stories, including "La Bete a Mait Belhomme . . ENGLISH II - UNIT 6: THE SHORT STORY Flashcards | Quizlet Guy de Maupassant Biography - eNotes.com Novelist #137442. Lets look at the Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Guy de Maupassant. He resumed his law studies in Paris. Sattar, Atia. Guy de Maupassant - Biography and Works. Search Texts, Read Online Maupassant is considered a father of the modern short story. French writer Guy de Maupassant (August 5, 1850-July 6, 1893) wrote short stories such as "The Necklace" and "Bel-Ami" as well as poetry, novels, and newspaper articles. Guy de Maupassant and "The Necklace" Background Literary Devices Themes The Deceptiveness of Appearances The reality of Mathilde's situation is that she is neither wealthy nor part of the social class of which she feels she is a deserving member, but Mathilde does everything in her power to make her life appear different from how it is. Guy de Maupassant's "Two Friends" takes place in January 1871, toward the end of the Franco-Prussian (or Franco-German) War. The same year, he came out with his short story titled, La Ficelle'. The supernatural in Maupassant, however, is often implicitly a symptom of the protagonists' troubled minds; Maupassant was fascinated by the burgeoning discipline of psychiatry, and attended the public lectures of Jean-Martin Charcot between 1885 and 1886. Lombardi, Esther. Literary theorist Kornelije Kvas wrote that along "with Chekhov, Maupassant is the greatest master of the short story in world literature. The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant - UKEssays.com With a natural aversion to society, he loved retirement, solitude, and meditation. Omissions? 6) Maupassant saved poet Algernon Charles Swinburne from drowning. His father, Gustave de Maupassant, belonged to an old Lorraine family and his mother, Laure le Poittevin, was childhood friends with the famous novelist Gustave Flaubert. Guy de Maupassant was a 19th-century French author who wrote more than 300 short stories. He then became a government clerk. 9) He also wrote under several pseudonyms. A young woman, Mathilde, is born to a low class family. Guy de Maupassant - Biography For the full article, see. He depicted human lives, destinies and social forces in disillusioned and often pessimistic terms. He published 2-4 volumes of each year of short stories. Many of his stories were based on the Franco-Prussian War and the lives of innocent people who were caught in it. Friedrich Nietzsche's autobiography mentions him in the following text: "I cannot at all conceive in which century of history one could haul together such inquisitive and at the same time delicate psychologists as one can in contemporary Paris: I can name as a sample for their number is by no means small, or to pick out one of the stronger race, a genuine Latin to whom I am particularly attached, Guy de Maupassant.". His stories strikingly captured various aspects of day-to-day life in France during that time. He was also romantically involved with a woman named, Josephine Litzelmann. A protege of Flaubert, Maupassant's short stories are characterized by their economy of style and their efficient effortless dnouement. Check out this jaw-dropping list of fun facts about Paris to learn more about this city! 1) When he was 11, Maupassants mother risked social disgrace by getting divorced and keeping her two sons. Unfortunately, he has to leave his studies due to he becomes a soldier. 8) Maupassants talent and business acumen made him a rich man. His firsthand experience of war was to provide him with the material for some of his finest stories. His work is characterized by the clarity of its prose and the objective irony of its presentation, as well as its keen re-creation of the physical world. Esther Lombardi, M.A., is a journalist who has covered books and literature for over twenty years. Bel-Ami | Introduction & Summary | Britannica The Best Short Stories by Guy de Maupassant | Goodreads Guy de Maupassant | Biography, Quotes & Facts - Study.com Hes my disciple and I love him like a son, Flaubert said of Maupassant. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. He was prolific, publishing over 300 short stories and six. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. In October 1868, at the age of 18, he saved the famous poet Algernon Charles Swinburne from drowning off the coast of tretat.[14]. By User Den fjttrade ankan on sv.wikipedia, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1250918. From 1871, he went to Paris and started working as a clerk in the Navy Department. Indeed, there can be little doubt that the early years in Paris were the start of his phenomenal promiscuity. His stories strikingly captured various aspects of day-to-day life in France during that time. As soon as Boule de suif was published, Maupassant found himself in demand by newspapers. The same year, he came out with the novel, Notre Cur'. Most Popular #137442. He did not care for the bureaucracy but was not unsuccessful and was several times promoted. However, his law studies were interrupted in 1871 when he volunteered for the army during the Franco-Prussian War. His parents separated when he was 11 years old after his mother, Laure Le Poittevin, left his father Gustave de Maupassant. Updates? Remembering Maupassant - Guy de Maupassant lived a short but highly productive life and his short stories and novels are still among the most widely read of French literature. (2020, August 28). Facts about Guy de Maupassant will inform you about a famous French writer. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. After his graduation, he became a volunteer in the Franco-Prussian War. He has written more than 300 short stories, six novels, travel books and also a book of poetry. His subsequent short stories include, 'Deux Amis' and Mother Savage'. Henri-Ren-Albert-Guy de Maupassant was born on August 5, 1850. The decade from 1880 to 1891 was the most fertile period of Maupassant's life. Maupassant suffered syphilis when he was 20 years old. He published the story in 1880. His best novels are considered to be Une Vie (1883, tr. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Birth Year: 1850, Birth date: August 5, 1850, Birth City: Dieppe, Birth Country: France. For example, "Une Vie" written by Maupassant, has clearly been influenced by Flaubert's style of writing. It was about the story of a journalist in Paris. It was through Flaubert that de Maupassant became familiar with (and part of) the naturalist school of writers, a style that would permeate nearly all of his stories. Book Review: The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa. Maupassants story, Boule de suif (Ball of Fat), was not only by far the best of the six, it is probably the finest story he ever wrote. Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (UK: /mops/,[1][2] US: /mopsnt, mops/;[2][3][4][5] French:[i d() mopas]; 5 August 1850 6 July 1893) was a 19th-century French author, remembered as a master of the short story form, as well as a representative of the Naturalist school, who depicted human lives, destinies and social forces in disillusioned and often pessimistic terms. Famous novelist Guy de Maupassant, hated the tower, but still went to its restaurant every day. His law studies were interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War; his experience as a volunteer provided him with material for some of his best works. Photo by Nadar. This life did not prevent him from making friends among the literary celebrities of his day: Alexandre Dumas, fils had a paternal affection for him; at Aix-les-Bains he met Hippolyte Taine (1828-1893) and became devoted to the philosopher-historian. However, he had never loved working, all his free time Maupassant spent in women pursuit. 4) At the age of 13, Maupassant was placed at a private school which he disliked and got himself expelled from. Photo by Nadar.WIKIMEDIA, Guy de Maupassant. Robert de Langeac (de son vrai nom le Pre Augustin Delage), rpondait alors au souhait que lui formulait le clbre thologien Garrigou-Lagrange : " le bien des mes l'emporte plus que votre dsir d'effacement ". Guy de Maupassant was probably born at the Chteau de Miromesniel, Dieppe on August 5, 1850. The short stories of writer Guy de Maupassant detail many aspects of French life in the 19th century. Maupassant ever studied Law in Paris. It is widely believed that from 1880 to 1886, he was in a relationship with a woman named, Gisele Estoc. Bel-Ami, novel by Guy de Maupassant, published in 1885. This acclaimed French short story writer and novelist was one among 46 Parisian literary and artistic people, who wrote a letter to the Minister of Public Works in Paris in protest of the construction of the Eiffel Tower. At some point in his 20s, de Maupassant contracted syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that, if left untreated, leads to mental impairment. Cimetiere de Montparnasse, Paris is a place where he was burried. Much like Flaubert's paintings, de Maupassant's stories told the plight of the lower classes. Required fields are marked *. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/guy-de-maupassant-biography-740701. The other facts about him will be explained below. He suffered from mental problems and tried to commit suicide by slitting his throat in 1892. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Guy de Maupassant was born on 5 August 1850 in France. His parents were both from prosperous bourgeois families. This was especially the lives of those in the middle and lower classes. 10) Among many other Parisians, Maupassant didnt care for the Eifel Tower. In 2007, it was produced at the Edinburgh Festival. Until the age of thirteen, Guy lived happily with his mother, at tretat in Normandy. He moved from Normandy to Paris after the war, and after leaving his clerkship in the French Navy he worked for several prominent French newspapers. He told that writing is Maupassants passion. The story is particularly known for its surprising ending. His seminal work, La Parure remains one of his most famous short stories. His talent and practical business sense made him wealthy. The novelist Guy de Maupassant, allegedly hated the Eiffel tower so much that he often ate lunch in the restaurant at its base, the only vantage point from which he could completely avoid glimpsing its looming silhouette. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Gustave Flaubert took him under his protection and acted as a kind of literary guardian to him, guiding his debut in journalism and literature. In 1878, he was transferred to the Ministry of Public Instruction. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Maupassant was one of a fair number of 19th-century Parisians who disliked the Eiffel Tower. 3) As a young boy, Maupassant loved nature, which became a theme for many of his stories. Leo Tolstoy used Maupassant as the subject for one of his essays on art, The Works of Guy de Maupassant. His father came to his assistance again and obtained a post for him in the Ministry of Marine, which was intended to support him until he qualified as a lawyer. Alternate titles: Henry-Ren-Albert-Guy de Maupassant, Writer. He is one of the fathers of the modern short story. What is Guy de Maupassant best known for? Une Vie (1883, tr. Some of the best-known authors for whom Maupassant was an inspiration include W. Somerset Maugham, O. Henry, and Henry James. Actually, Maupassant hated the Eiffel Tower. He and 46 other Parisian literary and artistic notables attached their names to a letter of protest. "Biography of Guy de Maupassant, Father of the Short Story." The stories were under a pseudonym in obscure provincial magazines. Stories like The Necklace (1884), The Horla (1887) and Mademoiselle Fifi (1882) were all written by the noted author who is known for his twist endings and depicting human lives and destinies in pessimistic terms with many of his works being set during the Franco-Prussian War of the 1870s. All rights reserved. But even these works had significance; Stephen King's famous novel "The Shining" has been compared to Maupassant's "The Inn.". Born in 1850 #16. Guy de Maupassant wrote in the Naturalism genre of literature. Guy De Maupassant - Trivia, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays His mothers claim that he was born at the Chteau de Miromesnil has been disputed. The gentleman in the white waistcoat is interesting because he remains nameless and is identified chiefly by this one article of . THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL MAUPASSANT SHORT STORIES - Project Gutenberg His literary education came through his informal apprenticeship to Gustave Flaubert, who was a friend of his mothers. In 1878, he was transferred to the Ministry of Public Instruction and became a contributing editor to several leading newspapers such as Le Figaro, Gil Blas, Le Gaulois and l'cho de Paris. [Quoted from the track "The Questor Affair" from the album, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 13:11, List of Short Stories by Guy de Maupassant, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, "Maupassant's Apprenticeship with Flaubert", "Lyce Pierre Corneille de Rouen - History", "Remembering Maupassant | Arts and Entertainment | BBC World Service", "The Writer Who Sparks the Finest Movie Adaptations", Complete list of stories by Guy de Maupassant, Universit McGill: le roman selon les romanciers, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guy_de_Maupassant&oldid=1142092357, "The Dead Girl (a.k.a. His first published story, "Boule de Suif" ("The Dumpling", 1880), is often considered his most famous work. He traveled extensively in Algeria, Italy, England, Brittany, Sicily, and the Auvergne, and from each voyage brought back a new volume. The brilliance of his technique is combined with an ethical nihilism. 3) As a young boy, Maupassant loved nature, which became a theme for many of his stories. Guy de Maupassant summary | Britannica Feminists now analyze the patriarchy's origin - a sys It was in the latters home that he met many writers, including Emile Zola and Ivan Turgenev. His magnum opus, 'Boule de Suif' is widely revered as one of his best short stories. The Necklace is an ironic story about the distinction between appearance versus reality, written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884. He is not a naturalist like Zola; to him, physiological processes do not constitute the basis of human actions, although the influence of the environment is manifested in his prose. [9] From his early education he retained a marked hostility to religion, and to judge from verses composed around this time he deplored the ecclesiastical atmosphere, its ritual and discipline. Learn how your comment data is processed. In 1871, he left Normandy and moved to Paris where he spent ten years as a clerk in the Navy Department. He is buried in Section 26 of the Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris. He delighted in clever plotting and his style of writing influenced Somerset Maugham and O. Henry. But it was her friend Flaubert who opened doors for the budding young writer. He cruised on his private yacht Bel-Ami, named after his novel. Search. Leo Tolstoy used Maupassant as the subject for one of his essays on art, The Works of Guy de Maupassant. Her sacrifices had been for nothing. "Biography of Guy de Maupassant, Father of the Short Story." Mathilde always felt like she should have been born to the upper class and is unhappy in her married life, hating their home, their food, and her lack of fine clothing and jewelry. He wrote 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of verse. Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Guy de Maupassant [20], Leo Tolstoy used Maupassant as the subject for one of his essays on art: The Works of Guy de Maupassant. The couple's second son, Herv, was born in 1856. Biography of Guy de Maupassant, Father of the Short Story. [6] He then obtained from the Tribunal Civil of Rouen by decree dated 9 July 1846 the right to style himself "de Maupassant" instead of "Maupassant", and this was his surname at the birth of his son Guy in 1850.[7]. Even though his writing career spanned barely a decade, Flaubert was prolific, writing some 300 short stories, three plays, six novels, and hundreds of newspaper articles. Maupassant would go on to develop a fear of death and paranoia of persecution caused by the syphilis he had contracted in his youth. During the Franco-Prussian war, Maupassant volunteered. Maupassant is considered a father of the modern short story. Before his death, Maupassant penned down a phrase in honour of his memory after death. One hundred and . Guy De Maupassant: Biography, Facts & Style | StudySmarter Maupassant was one of a fair number of 19th-century Parisians who disliked the Eiffel Tower. The famous writer was a friend of Maupassant's mother's friend and introduced his protg to mile Zola Ivan Turgenev and Henry James. Author of, Literary and music critic. A Time Warner Company. On his 169th birth anniversary, here's looking at a few interesting facts about the author: When Maupassant was 11 and his brother Herv, 5, his mother, Laure Le Poittevin, risked social disgrace and legally separated from her husband, who was violent towards her. During this time his only recreation and relaxation was boating on the Seine on Sundays and holidays. Claude Brasseur stars as the titular character. [18] On 2 January 1892, Maupassant tried to commit suicide by cutting his throat; he was committed to the private asylum of Esprit Blanche at Passy, in Paris, where he died (6 July 1893) from syphilis. His parents Laure Le Poittevin and Gustave de Maupassant were both from affluent families. Indeed, "Une Vie" (Maupassant) is very similar in terms of structure and narrative style to "Madame Bovary" (Flaubert), both centering around a woman who is unhappy and unsatisfied with her life. Flaubert used to invite Maupassant on lunch on Sundays when staying in Paris. After a gruesome suicide attempt in 1891 (he tried to cut his throat),de Maupassant spent the last 18 months of his life in a Paris mental home, the celebrated private asylum of Dr. Espirit Blanche. Guy de Maupassant, in full Henry-Ren-Albert-Guy de Maupassant, (born August 5, 1850, Chteau de Miromesnil?, near Dieppe, Francedied July 6, 1893, Paris), French naturalist writer of short stories and novels who is by general agreement the greatest French short-story writer. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/guy-de-maupassant-4806.php. It focuses on detachment, objectivity, and social commentary. LHritage (The Heritage),La Maison Tellier (The House of Mme Tellier),La Ficelle (The Piece of String,Boule de suif (Tallow Ball),Clair de lune (Moonlight, La Parure (The Necklace),Mlle Fifi and Miss Harriet are his masterpieces. Maupassant was demobilized in July 1871 and resumed his law studies in Paris. Your email address will not be published. Gustave Flaubert is a good friend of Laure Le Poittevin (Maupassants mother). The story was written in the form of journal. Construction of the Eiffel Tower was highly controversial amongst the Parisians. When . 2) Laure Le Poittevin, Maupassants mother, became the most influential figure in his life. Author E. Renouar on Wikimedia. Little Maupassant was gaining knowledge and skills from his friends; he improved his gifts and talents, which helped him in his poetry and writing. He also started working as a contributory editor to the newspapers, Le Figaro, Gil Blas, Le Gaulois and l'Echo de Paris. 10 Interesting Facts about Guy de Maupassant Maupassant's story, Boule de suif ("Ball of Fat"), was not only by far the best of the six, it is probably the finest story he ever wrote. In spite of his lack of enthusiasm for the bureaucracy, his years as a civil servant were the happiest of his life. Guy de Maupassant was an important French naturalist writer who was most well known for his short stories. His mother urged his father when they married in 1846 to obtain the right to use the form de Maupassant instead of Maupassant as his family name. He also wrote six short novels. Maupassant is considered the father of the modern short story. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. His mother urged her husband when they married in 1846 to obtain the right to use the particule or form "de Maupassant" instead of "Maupassant" as his family name, in order to indicate noble birth. He also introduced him to some of the leading writers of the time, such as mile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, Edmond Goncourt, and Henry James. Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (Aug 5, 1850 - Jul 6, 1893) was a popular French author who wrote under the pen name Guy de Maupassant.He is considered one of the fathers of the modern short story as well as one of its finest practitioners. [16] He and forty-six other Parisian literary and artistic notables attached their names to an elaborately irate letter of protest against the tower's construction, written to the Minister of Public Works, and published on 14 February 1887.[17]. Guy de Maupassant - American Literature Whether you want to learn the history of a city, or you simply need a recommendation for your next meal, Discover Walks Team offers an ever-growing travel encyclopaedia. Maupassant penned his own epitaph: "I have coveted everything and taken pleasure in nothing."