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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. He was later admitted into a private mental institute, Esprit Blanche at Passy, in Paris. This was especially the lives of those in the middle and lower classes. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 8) Maupassants talent and business acumen made him a rich man. This is our collection of basic interesting facts about De Maupassant. Maupassant contracted Syphilis in his youth. His writing belonged to the genre of naturalism. During this time his only recreation and relaxation were boating on Sundays and holidays. 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 started working as a contributory editor to the newspapers, Le Figaro, Gil Blas, Le Gaulois and l'Echo de Paris. But it was her friend Flaubert who opened doors for the budding young writer. Guy de Maupassant was born on August 5, 1850, in the Normandy region of France. The commercial success of his writing made Flaubert famous and independently wealthy. Between the years 1872 and 1880 Maupassant was a civil servant first at the ministry of maritime affairs then at the ministry of education. Famous novelist Guy de Maupassant, hated the tower, but still went to its restaurant every day. He devoted much of his spare time to swimming and to boating expeditions on the Seine. Une Vie (1883, tr. For example, "Une Vie" written by Maupassant, has clearly been influenced by Flaubert's style of writing. One can see from a story like Mouche (1890; Fly) that the latter were more than merely boating expeditions and that the girls who accompanied Maupassant and his friends were usually prostitutes or prospective prostitutes. In my opinion, it is useful to put together a list of the most interesting details from trusted sources that I've come across. Construction of the Eiffel Tower was highly controversial amongst the Parisians. He delighted in clever plotting and his style of writing influenced Somerset Maugham and O. Henry. He attempted suicide in 1892 and was committed to an asylum, where he died at age 42. His realistic portrayal of life made his books and short stories accessible to those belonging to any social class. 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. Born in 1850 #16. In 1883 he finished his first novel, Une Vie (translated into English as A Woman's Life), 25,000 copies of which were sold in less than a year. Guy de Maupassant. He has to fight in the Franco-Prussian War. Due to complaints from NBC executives, this part of the script was never filmed.[22]. NEVEUX "I entered literary life as a meteor, and I shall leave it like a thunderbolt." These words of Maupassant to Jose Maria de Heredia on the occasion of a memorable meeting are, in spite of their morbid solemnity, not an inexact summing up of the brief career during which, for ten years, the writer, by turns undaunted and sorrowful, with the fertility . That year, he also came out with a novella, Le Rosier de Madame Husson'. At age thirteen, Maupassant was placed as a day boarder together with his brother in a private school. 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 was the first son of Laure Le Poittevin and Gustave de Maupassant, both from prosperous bourgeois families. 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. Guy de Maupassant studied law and served in the military during the Franco-German War. Guy de Maupassant was born on Aug. 5, 1850, in Normandy; his exact birthplace has never been established. His first published story, "Boule de Suif" ("The Dumpling", 1880), is often considered his most famous work. In 1878, he was transferred to the Ministry of Public Instruction. This was not out of preference for the food but because it was only there that he could avoid seeing it. What is Guy de Maupassant best known for? Omissions? 2) Laure Le Poittevin, Maupassants mother, became the most influential figure in his life. [6] Gustave discovered a certain Jean-Baptiste Maupassant, conseiller-secrtaire to the King, who had been ennobled in 1752. ThoughtCo. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Guy de Maupassant was an important French naturalist writer who was most well known for his short stories. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Birth Year: 1850, Birth date: August 5, 1850, Birth City: Dieppe, Birth Country: France. From 1871, he went to Paris and started working as a clerk in the Navy Department. The fact that his brother died at an early age of the same disease suggests that it might have been congenital. A young woman, Mathilde, is born to a low class family. In 2007, it was produced at the Edinburgh Festival. I have coveted everything and taken pleasure in nothing. He was buried in Section 26 of the Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris. He was very devoted to his mother, who was a well-read woman with a passion for classical literature. Possible use cases are in quizzes, differences, riddles, homework facts legend, cover facts, and many more. 3) As a young boy, Maupassant loved nature, which became a theme for many of his stories. WIKIMEDIA. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. His talent and practical business sense made him wealthy. Flaubert characterized it as a masterpiece that will endure. It was followed by short stories such as Deux Amis, Mother Savage, and Mademoiselle Fifi. 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. With no money for a dowry, she is married to Monsieur Loisel, a clerk from the Board of Education. He was also romantically involved with a woman named, Josephine Litzelmann. This was to indicate noble birth. Below is the article summary. Although the Maupassants were a free-thinking family, Guy received his first education from the church and at age 13 was sent to a small seminary at Yvetot that took both lay and clerical pupils. All Rights Reserved. He proved a good scholar indulging in poetry and taking a prominent part in theatricals. Most Popular #137442. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Between June and September 1887, he authored one his well-known naturalist novels, Pierre et Jean'. The following year, his book of short stories titled, Mademoiselle Fifi' was published. The couple's second son, Herv, was born in 1856. Lombardi, Esther. At the Villa des Verguies, between the sea and the luxuriant countryside, he grew very fond of fishing and of outdoor activities. Who is Guy De Maupassant: Guy De Maupassant is a famous Novelist. With a natural aversion to society, he loved retirement, solitude, and meditation. Flaubert characterized it as "a masterpiece that will endure". He first gained attention with Boule de Suif (1880; Ball of Fat), probably his finest story. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. He wrote and himself played (1875) in a comedy - " la feuille de rose, maison turque" - with Flaubert's blessing. 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. Guy de Maupassant Birth Anniversary: Interesting Facts About the Storyteller, Guy de Maupassant 169th birth anniversary. 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. He traveled extensively in Algeria, Italy, England, Brittany, Sicily, and the Auvergne, and from each voyage brought back a new volume. Early Life. He died in a private asylum at the age of 42. French writer Guy de Maupassant (August 5, 1850July 6, 1893) wrote short stories such as "The Necklace" and "Bel-Ami" as well as poetry, novels, and newspaper articles. Actually, Maupassant hated the Eiffel Tower. He then became a government clerk. Maupassants short stories and books focus on many themes. In his later years he developed a constant desire for solitude, an obsession for self-preservation, and a fear of death and paranoia of persecution caused by the syphilis he had contracted in his youth. Biography: You Need to Know: Agness Underwood. During the Franco-Prussian war, Maupassant volunteered. However, he often ate lunch in the Eiffel Towers restaurant. Search. He resumed his law studies in Paris. Maupassant suffered syphilis when he was 20 years old. He was the first son of Laure Le Poitevin and Gustave de Maupassant. Gustave Flaubert, a good friend of Maupassants mother noticed Maupassants interest in writing and introduced him to Emile Zola and Henry James. [10] Finding the place unbearable, he finally got himself expelled in his penultimate year. He also authored a travel book titled, La Vie errante'. As soon as Boule de suif was published, Maupassant found himself in demand by newspapers. After the separation, Laure Le Poittevin kept her two sons. While investigating facts about De Maupassant Novels and De Maupassant Short Stories, I found out little known, but curios details like: Guy de Maupassant ate lunch every day at the base of the Eiffel Tower because he hated the tower and that was the only place in Paris where he wouldn't see it. . Little Maupassant was gaining knowledge and skills from his friends; he improved his gifts and talents, which helped him in his poetry and writing. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The writers were mile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, Edmond Goncourt, and Henry James. He and 46 other Parisian literary and artistic notables attached their names to a letter of protest. Maupassant published some 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and his only volume of verse. Gene Roddenberry, in an early draft for The Questor Tapes, wrote a scene in which the android Questor employs Maupassant's theory that, "the human female will open her mind to a man to whom she has opened other channels of communications. La Parure (The Necklace) is the best-loved stories of him. 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 . Looking for interesting Paris facts? In 1887, he came out with the short horror story titled, Le Horla'. Maupassant is often described as the father of the modern short storya literary form that's more condensed and immediate than the novel. This led him to be expelled in his penultimate year. When . He owes most to Flaubert, from whom he learned to use a concise and measured style and to establish a distance towards the object of narration. 1) When he was 11, Maupassants mother risked social disgrace by getting divorced and keeping her two sons. The story is particularly known for its surprising ending. Maupassant and Flaubert both . Here are 5 of the best facts about De Maupassant The Necklace and De Maupassant Guy I managed to collect. The brilliance of his technique is combined with an ethical nihilism. In fact, he tried to commit suicide by cutting his throat on January 2, 1892 and was committed to the private asylum of Esprit Blanche at Passy, in Paris. Biography [ edit] Guy de Maupassant at 7 years of age Guy de Maupassant and his mother His father, Gustave de Maupassant, by Hippolyte Bellang Maupassant would go on to develop a fear of death and paranoia of persecution caused by the syphilis he had contracted in his youth. ")", Abamine, E. P. "German-French Sexual Encounters of the Franco-Prussian War Period in the Fiction of Guy de Maupassant. But de Maupassant's horror fiction is only a small portion of his work, some 39 stories or so. Guy De Maupassant Popularity . This was the beginning of the apprenticeship that was the making of Maupassant the writer. Taken together, his stories present a broad, naturalistic picture of French life from 1870 to 1890. He is generally considered Frances greatest master of the short story. Maupassant was one of a fair number of 19th-century Parisians who disliked the Eiffel Tower. Zola described the young Maupassant as a terrific oarsman able to row fifty miles on the Seine in a single day for pleasure. Maupassant was a passionate lover of the sea and of rivers, which accounts for the setting of much of his fiction and the prevalence in it of nautical imagery. In 1880, his acclaimed short story, Boule de Suif' was published. Maupassants story, Boule de suif (Ball of Fat), was not only by far the best of the six. However, his law studies were interrupted in 1871 when he volunteered for the army during the Franco-Prussian War. it was probably the finest story he ever wrote. The same year, he came out with the novel, Notre Cur'. Flaubert used to invite Maupassant on lunch on Sundays when staying in Paris. He left the ministry and spent the next two years writing articles for Le Gaulois and the Gil Blas.Many of his stories made their first appearance in the latter newspaper.The 10 years from 1880 to 1890 were remarkable for their productivity; he published some . August 5 Author #6. His stories strikingly captured various aspects of day-to-day life in France during that time. His parents were both from prosperous bourgeois families. WIKIMEDIA. What is Guy de Maupassant best known for? Construction of the Eiffel Tower was highly controversial amongst the Parisians. GUY DE MAUPASSANT A STUDY BY POL. 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. His father managed to have him transferred, at his own wish, to the Ministry of Public Instruction in 1879. He delighted in clever plotting and his style of writing influenced Somerset Maugham and O. Henry. The gentleman in the white waistcoat is interesting because he remains nameless and is identified chiefly by this one article of . For classical studies in Institution Leroy-Petit, in Rouen. third "Art and the Artist in Babel's" Guy de Maupassant".". ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/guy-de-maupassant-biography-740701. The author also wrote six novels, three travel books and one volume of verse. His work was admired by his contemporaries and imitated by those who came after him. His literary education came through his informal apprenticeship to Gustave Flaubert, who was a friend of his mothers. Leo Tolstoy used Maupassant as the subject for one of his essays on art, The Works of Guy de Maupassant. 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. In spite of his lack of enthusiasm for the bureaucracy, his years as a civil servant were the happiest of his life. His paternal ancestors were noble, and his maternal grandfather Paul Le Poittevin was the artist Gustave Flaubert's godfather. Some of his well-known works include, Boule de Suif', 'Pierre et Jean', 'Bel Ami', La Parure , 'Deux Amis', 'Mother Savage', and 'Mademoiselle Fifi'. In many respects, Maupassant's naturalism is Schopenhauerian anthropological pessimism, as he is often harsh and merciless when it comes to depicting human nature. Unfortunately, in his 20s he began to suffer from syphilis, which caused him much mental agony and trouble for the rest of his living years. point of highest interest or excitement climax struggle within one person's mind internal conflict most important person in a story protagonist all-seeing, all-knowing omniscient the story introducing another story frame a single happening in a story incident If the author tells the story but does not take part, it is told in _____ person. Feminists now analyze the patriarchy's origin - a sys In 1871, he left Normandy and moved to Paris where he spent ten years as a clerk in the Navy Department. Maupassant ever studied Law in Paris. Additionally, Maupassant also wrote under several pseudonyms, including Joseph Prunier, Guy de Valmont, and Maufrigneuse. 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. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. French writer, Gustave Flaubert played a pivotal role in guiding him through his earlier days in literature and journalism. Boule de suif (Ball of Fat) is regarded as his best story, while the best known is La Parure (The Necklace). Henri-Ren-Albert-Guy de Maupassant was born on August 5, 1850. Soon after graduation, Maupassant served as a volunteer in the Franco-Prussian War, after which he pursued a career as a civil servant working in the Navy Department and the Ministry of Public Instruction. Guy de Maupassant was born on 5 August 1850 in France. He developed a constant desire for solitude, an obsession for self-preservation, a fear of death and paranoia of persecution. Novelist #137442. His seminal work, La Parure remains one of his most famous short stories. He was prolific, publishing over 300 short stories and six. The letter was against the towers construction. He published 2-4 volumes of each year of short stories. Additionally, Guy de Maupassant was a representative of the Naturalist school. His stories strikingly captured various aspects of day-to-day life in France during that time. Guy de Maupassant: Biography, Quotes & Facts. Your email address will not be published. In the next 10 years he published some 300 short stories, six novels, and three travel books. Our Hearts) are several example of his best novel. Gustave Flaubert is a good friend of Laure Le Poittevin (Maupassants mother). [12] Next year, in autumn, he was sent to the Lyce Pierre-Corneille in Rouen[13] where he proved a good scholar, indulging in poetry and taking a prominent part in theatricals. Learn how your comment data is processed. French writer Guy de Maupassant is famous for his short stories, which paint a fascinating picture of French life in the 19th century. Guy de Maupassant's "Two Friends" takes place in January 1871, toward the end of the Franco-Prussian (or Franco-German) War. He is remembered as a master of the short story form. He wrote 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of verse. He later attended the Institution Leroy-Petit, in Rouen, a private school. During this time his only recreation and relaxation was boating on the Seine on Sundays and holidays. Corrections? That is why he died ininsane asylum. However, he had never loved working, all his free time Maupassant spent in women pursuit. q&a; trivia; popular; trending; random; Guy De Maupassant. Hes my disciple and I love him like a son, Flaubert said of Maupassant. 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, 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. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Unfortunately, their parents divorced when he was 11 years old and his brother was 5 years old. He lived under the care of his mother. Please note that this site uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse web traffic. This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 13:11. He suffered from Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that he contracted in his youth. In recent years, feminism has a profound impact not only on the family's sociology, but also on other areas of social cognition. On February 17, 1884, his short story titled, La Parure' was published in the French newspaper called, 'Le Gaulois'. He published the story in 1880. In the autumn of 1869 he began law studies in Paris, which were interrupted by the outbreak of the Franco-German War. Best Known For: The short stories of writer Guy de Maupassant detail many aspects of French life in the 19th century. 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. This was the beginning of the apprenticeship that was the making of Maupassant the writer. He composed verses that deplored the ecclesiastical atmosphere, its ritual and discipline. In 1880 he published what is considered his first masterpiece, "Boule de Suif", which met with instant and tremendous success. Author Born in France #42. However, he was demobilized in 1871. Since the war figures significantly into the story, readers. As we know that Maupassant lived with his mother and brother after his parent seperated. 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 ". Whatever your case, learn the truth of the matter why is De Maupassant so important! Book Review: The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa. The decade from 1880 to 1891 was the most fertile period of Maupassant's life. Both parents came of Norman families, the fathers of the minor aristocracy, but the marriage was a failure, and the couple separated permanently when Guy was 11 years old. Made famous by his first short story, he worked methodically and produced two or sometimes four volumes annually. After his graduation, he became a volunteer in the Franco-Prussian War. His parents separated when he was 11 years old and his mother took custody of Guy and his younger brother, and it was her influence that led her sons to . Many are set during the Franco-Prussian War of the 1870s, describing the futility of war and the innocent civilians who, caught up in events beyond their control, are permanently changed by their experiences. Maupassant also wrote under several pseudonyms, including "Joseph Prunier", "Guy de Valmont", and "Maufrigneuse" (which he used from 1881 to 1885). We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel. He is one of the fathers of the modern short story. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/guy-de-maupassant-biography-740701. Maupassant was adamant in refusing to undergo treatment, with the result that the disease was to cast a deepening shadow over his mature years and was accentuated by neurasthenia, which had also afflicted his brother. His first published story, "Boule de Suif" ("The Dumpling", 1880), is often considered his most famous work. William Saroyan wrote a short story about Maupassant in his 1971 book, Letters from 74 rue Taitbout or Don't Go But If You Must Say Hello To Everybody. http://www.professorguerrero.com/2012/07/necklace-by-guy-de-maupassant-essay-2.html, http://enria.org/society/life-tips-in-the-interpretation-of-guy-de-maupassant. Additionally, He often ate lunch in the restaurant at its base. His firsthand experience of war was to provide him with the material for some of his finest stories. The team was led by Zola. Taking his cue from Balzac, Maupassant wrote comfortably in both the high-Realist and fantastic modes; stories and novels such as "L'Hritage" and Bel-Ami aim to recreate Third-Republic France in a realistic way, whereas many of the short stories (notably "Le Horla" and "Qui sait?") This was until illness struck Maupassant down. In October 1868, at the age of 18, he saved the famous poet Algernon Charles Swinburne from drowning off the coast of tretat.[14]. Unfortunately, he has to leave his studies due to he becomes a soldier. Cimetiere de Montparnasse, Paris is a place where he was burried. It has been suggested that his brother, Herv, also suffered from syphilis and that the disease may have been congenital. Isaac Babel wrote a short story about him, Guy de Maupassant. It appears in The Collected Stories of Isaac Babel and in the story anthology Youve Got To Read This: Contemporary American Writers Introduce Stories that Held Them in Awe. Literary theorist Kornelije Kvas wrote that along "with Chekhov, Maupassant is the greatest master of the short story in world literature. He is one of the fathers of the modern short story. The following year, he went to the Lyce Pierre-Corneille School, where he took part in drama and became passionate about poetry. For the full article, see. "[19] He delighted in clever plotting, and served as a model for Somerset Maugham and O. Henry in this respect. Guy de Maupassant went crazy due to parental mistreatment in spite of "writing about it". 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. Indeed, there can be little doubt that the early years in Paris were the start of his phenomenal promiscuity. The same year, he came out with his short story titled, La Ficelle'. Claude Brasseur stars as the titular character. Are you interestedto read this article? It was about the story of a journalist in Paris. In 1869 Maupassant started to study law in Paris, but soon, at the age of 20, he volunteered to serve in the army during the Franco-Prussian War. The following year, his novel, Bel Ami was published. Before his death, Maupassant penned down a phrase in honour of his memory after death. His editor, Havard, commissioned him to write more stories, and Maupassant continued to produce them efficiently and frequently. It was a concise description of a twofold relationship: if Flaubert was the inspiration for Maupassant the writer, he also provided the child of a broken marriage with a foster father. He felt a decided antipathy for this form of life and deliberately engineered his own expulsion for some trivial offense in 1868. Maupassant was demobilized in July 1871 and resumed his law studies in Paris. His passion of writing is visible from his letter-writing during he serves as soldier. Guy de Maupassant wrote in the Naturalism genre of literature. Lets look at the Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Guy de Maupassant. He also wrote six short novels. That is why Maupassant is introduced toEmile Zola and Henry James. Gustave Flaubert took him under his protection and acted as a kind of literary guardian to him, guiding his debut in journalism and literature. For classical studies in Institution Leroy-Petit, in Rouen. His firsthand experience of war was to provide him with the material for some of his finest stories. Facts about Guy de Maupassant will inform you about a famous French writer. 5) In junior high school and high-school he was proven to be a good student. 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. Quote Of The Day | Top 100 Quotes, See the events in life of Guy De Maupassant in Chronological Order, (French Short Story Writer and Naturalist ). 6) Maupassant saved poet Algernon Charles Swinburne from drowning. His best novels are considered to be Une Vie (1883, tr. When he was thirteen, he went to learn classical studies at the Yvetot seminary for a brief period. Some critics have charted his developing mental illness through the subject matter of his stories. He moved to the lyce at Le Havre and passed his baccalaureate the following year. ", Rougle, Charles. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Who Is Dilbert Cartoonist Scott Adams? Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. That is why he really love and close with his mother. 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.".