Affiche du document The Test

The Test

Guy De Maupassant

06min45

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9 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 7min.
Retired merchant Monsieur Bondel has settled in the quiet town of Saint-Germain together with his wife, where he looks forward to a peaceful retirement together. The move is not quite the success he hopes for, as, without occupation, the couple argues constantly. When Bondel makes the acquaintance of a neighbour, Madame Bondel is enraged, and the couple has their most intense argument yet. A gripping short story from the famous French author Guy de Maupassant, about family, love, trust, and adultery. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French author, best known for his mastery of short stories. Born in Dieppe, Maupassant went on to study Law in Paris. His education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Franco-German War, for which he volunteered - the experience of which would go on to influence much of his writing. Best known for his naturalist style, Maupassant was a protégé of fellow French author Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the most influential writers of the time, including Henry James and Ivan Turgenev. Some of Maupassant’s best-known works include the short story ‘Boule de Suif’, and the novels ‘Bel-Ami’ and ‘Une Vie’. He died in Paris in 1893 at the age of 42.
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Affiche du document The Diamond Necklace

The Diamond Necklace

Guy De Maupassant

06min45

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9 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 7min.
"The Diamond Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant portrays the complexities and consequences of keeping up appearances in the 19th century. Mathilde is a young and beautiful woman, struggling with the ordinary circumstances of her life and marriage. When she is invited to a fancy ball with her husband, she borrows a diamond necklace from a friend. To her horror, she finds the necklace to be gone by the end of the night. The couple must now find a way to quickly replace the necklace, but the cost turns out to be terribly high. The story has inspired film adaptations, such as the silent film The Necklace (1909).
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Affiche du document Bel-Ami

Bel-Ami

Guy De Maupassant

1h06min00

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88 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 1h06min.
Being Maupassant’s second-published novel, "Bel Ami" follows the vile and corrupt rags-to-riches rise to power of Georges Duroy, a young man of endless opportunities, but easily corrupted by the shining façade of power. The protagonist’s self-centred way of life involves his derogatory attitude towards women, sexual encounters, corrupt politicians, and money. The novel is a strong social critique of Maupassant against the egotistical urges in a money- and power-driven society. A Hollywood production came in 2012, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.
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Affiche du document Yvette Samoris

Yvette Samoris

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
When the beautiful and powerful Countess Samoris arrives in Paris, she is dressed all in black. She has come to attend her daughter’s funeral, a bright and innocent girl whose death has sparked a singular mystery: who killed Yvette Samoris? Powerful in its depiction of the French upper-class, "Yvette Samoris" explores the bedchambers of high-society courtesans and the hypocrisy of their visitors. Guy de Maupassant leaves a lasting commentary on our indifference and the exploitation of the lower classes; a tender adieu to innocence. A perfect match for readers of "Madame Bovary" or "An Inspector Calls". Can people be trusted on their appearances, or is there always something vile and sinister lurking behind the façade? 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 Spasm

The Spasm

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
"My heart was throbbing wildly. I was frightened. I opened the door brusquely, and in the darkness I distinguished a white figure, standing erect, something that resembled an apparition." When the narrator in Guy de Maupassant’s short story "The Spasm" meets a father and his ill daughter at a health spa, he is reminded of characters from the universe of Edgar Allan Poe. What they proceed to recount to him is a tale so gruesome and harrowing that even Poe himself would cower in fear. Inspired by a real nineteenth century risk of premature burial, "The Spasm" comes with a shocking twist that holds everyone captive until the very end. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the French 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 The Orphan

The Orphan

Guy De Maupassant

06min00

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8 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 06min.
Money gets you everywhere, it can even buy happiness - if you have enough. It is a fragile thing, though, and you must be careful what you do with it. When Mademoiselle Source, a wealthy woman who has been maimed in a tragic accident, adopts an orphaned baby, she could never have predicted that the young boy would make her life a living hell. She grows more and more afraid, until one day she decides to run away from him. But is it really so easy? Maupassant's dive into an unfamiliar genre, this fast-paced crime novel is unmissable for those who enjoyed James Patterson's 'Invisible'. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the French 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 Question Of Latin

The Question Of Latin

Guy De Maupassant

07min30

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10 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 07min.
"The Question of Latin" follows the narrator and his memories of the olden days, when Father Piquedent used to teach him Latin. The two become friends, but soon the teacher reveals that he is not good at anything else but teaching Latin, and thus he is having financial problems. The narrator has to think of a way to help his teacher and get him out of this predicament. A tale that explores the solitude and shortcomings of an academic career, "The Question of Latin" is a rather positive story that shows how true friendship and good deeds seldom remain unrewarded. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners 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 The Mountain Pool

The Mountain Pool

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
An aristocratic lady travels alone to picturesque Monaco, expecting a peaceful vacation. It turns into a place of horror for the woman, however, as she experiences something unspeakable at the artificial lake. She details her experiences in a letter to a dear friend. This grim tale was Maupassant's dive into something new, and his experiment paid off - creating a chilling story that rivals even the masters of the supernatural genre. 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 Patron

The Patron

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
Jean Marin has always been diligent. Not just in his studies but in his job as a handyman too. He is by no means used to luxury. When he lands a government job, it's like a dream come true. Problems arise, however, and his resilience is truly tested. 'The Patron' is a short piece of satire exploring the aspirations of a small but energetic man striving to find peace both within his life and within himself. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the French 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 That Pig of a Morin

That Pig of a Morin

Guy De Maupassant

07min30

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10 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 07min.
A thought-provoking and humorous real-life comedy, "That Pig of a Morin" shows us how some quite ordinary urges can turn devastating for the male character Morin. An innocent kiss sends the protagonist’s life into a state of topsyturvidom, and the result is an outrageous nickname that is here to stay. Maupassant’s skillful presentation of everyday situations and human relations provide additional colour to the farcical situation surrounding the character. A funny story that can appeal to all kinds of readers.
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Affiche du document The Wreck

The Wreck

Guy De Maupassant

08min15

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11 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 08min.
Are memories of past love affairs stronger than time? After a mysterious foreign letter arrives at breakfast, Georges Garin shares with his friend a peculiour travelogue. While inspecting a wrecked ship, an English man with his three daughters approaches him. A passionate love affair flares between Garin and the oldest daughter which settles in his heart for the years to come. The remarkable short story writer, Guy de Maupassant, unveils bit by bit their tale with a subtle expression of eroticism.
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Affiche du document Beside Schopenhauer's Corpse

Beside Schopenhauer's Corpse

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
"Beside Schopenhauer’s Corpse" is often labelled one of Maupassant’s "newspaper stories" that he indulged in between 1882 and 1887. The narrator meets a dying student of Schopenhauer’s who is reading the same book by his master over and over again. A haunting tale expressing the author’s own views on Schopenhauer’s pessimistic philosophy. What is more, the reminiscences of the dying disciple often verge on the grotesque and carnal, viewing death as an ugly end, not a poetic final stop.
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Affiche du document The Night: A Nightmare

The Night: A Nightmare

Guy De Maupassant

05min15

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7 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 05min.
Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Night: A Nightmare" depicts a vivid portrayal of the streets of Paris. Our narrator roams the streets of the city after hours, embracing and explaining his love of night as he goes. Yet this time, the night takes a more a menacing turn and soon becomes a living nightmare for him. Maupassant 's story plunges into the darker places of the human psyche with colorful storytelling, taking the reader on a nocturnal and personal tour of historical 19th-century Paris landmarks.
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Affiche du document Toine

Toine

Guy De Maupassant

06min45

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9 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 7min.
A Norman bar keeper makes his village inn famous with his special drink: the best Cognac in France... Until his life changes in an instance, when he becomes paralysed and his wife uses his body for laying eggs at home. Does this sound peculiar enough? Wait and see until the Master of the short story, Guy de Maupassant, brings some more plot twists to the stage.
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Affiche du document On a Spring Evening

On a Spring Evening

Guy De Maupassant

04min30

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6 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 04min30.
Can a single evening be perfect? It can if you ask a couple in love. The short story "On a Spring Evening" by Guy de Maupassant, who is widely considered the master of French Naturalism, is a picturesque tale of love set in the 19th century. Cousins Jeanne and Jacques are set to be married, much to the glee of their parents. As they take a stroll on a spring evening, their emotions seem to get the best of them. The story paints a vivid picture of a scenic night and how far a single act of kindness can go.
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