Who was Guy de Maupassant? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

French Celebrities Born In August

Also Known As: Henri René Albert Guy de Maupassant

Died At Age: 42

Family:

father: Gustave de Maupassant

mother: Laure Le Poittevin

siblings: Creig de Maupassant, Hervé de Maupassant

Novelists Short Story Writers

Died on: July 6, 1893

place of death: Passy, Paris, France

Notable Alumni: Lycée Henri-IV, Lycée Pierre-Corneille

Cause of Death: Syphilis

More Facts

education: Lycée Henri-IV, Lycée Pierre-Corneille

Recommended For You

1

What is Guy de Maupassant famous for?

Guy de Maupassant is famous for his contributions to French literature, particularly his mastery of the short story genre.
2

What inspired Guy de Maupassant to write?

Maupassant drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of society, as well as the works of other writers such as Gustave Flaubert and Émile Zola.
3

How did Guy de Maupassant's works reflect realism?

Maupassant's works are known for their realistic depiction of everyday life, social issues, and human behavior without romanticizing or idealizing them.
4

What impact did Guy de Maupassant have on literature?

Guy de Maupassant is considered a master of the short story form and his works have had a lasting influence on the development of modern literature, particularly the short story genre.
5

What are some key themes in Guy de Maupassant's works?

Some key themes in Maupassant's works include the complexities of human nature, the consequences of greed and ambition, the fragility of social norms, and the inevitability of fate.

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Childhood & Early Life

Henri Rene Albert Guy de Maupassant was born in Tourville-sur-Arques, France. His parents Laure Le Poittevin and Gustave de Maupassant were both from affluent families.

When he was eleven years old, his mother separated from his father. He lived under the care of his mother. He was very devoted to his mother, who was a well-read woman with a passion for classical literature.

When he was thirteen, he went to learn classical studies at the Yvetot seminary for a brief period. He later attended the Institution Leroy-Petit, in Rouen, a private school.

In 1867, he began high school, during which time he became friendly with French writer, Gustave Flaubert. The following year, he went to the Lyc�e Pierre-Corneille School, where he took part in drama and became passionate about poetry.

In 1868, when he was eighteen, he saved the life of poet Algernon Charles Swinburne, rescuing the latter from drowning off the coast of Etretat. After his graduation, he became a volunteer in the Franco-Prussian War.

From 1871, he went to Paris and started working as a clerk in the Navy Department. He would spend the next ten years of his life, serving in this position.

French writer, Gustave Flaubert played a pivotal role in guiding him through his earlier days in literature and journalism. It was in the latter’s home that he met many writers, including Emile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

In 1878, he was transferred to the Ministry of Public Instruction. He also started working as a contributory editor to the newspapers, ‘Le Figaro, Gil Blas’, ‘Le Gaulois’ and’ l'Echo de Paris’.

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French Writers

French Novelists

French Short Story Writers

Career

In 1880, his acclaimed short story, ‘Boule de Suif' was published. This was the first of his stories that was cantered on the Franco-Prussian War. His subsequent short stories include, 'Deux Amis' and ‘Mother Savage'.

In 1881, he came out with 'La Maison Tellier', his first collection of short stories. The following year, his book of short stories titled, ‘Mademoiselle Fifi' was published.

In 1883, he published his novel, ‘Une Vie', which sold more than 25,000 copies. The same year, he came out with his short story titled, ‘La Ficelle'.

In 1884, his short story ‘La mere Sauvage' and 'La Parure' was published. The following year, his novel, ‘Bel Ami’ was published. It was about the story of a journalist in Paris.

On February 17, 1884, his short story titled, ‘La Parure' was published in the French newspaper called, 'Le Gaulois'. This story is one of his most well-known works.

In 1887, he came out with the short horror story titled, ‘Le Horla'. The story was written in the form of journal. That year, he also came out with a novella, ‘Le Rosier de Madame Husson'.

Between June and September 1887, he authored one his well-known naturalist novels, ‘Pierre et Jean'. The novel comes under the realist genre and was one of the shortest of his novels.

In 1890, he authored the short story 'L'Inutile Beaut�’. The same year, he came out with the novel, ‘Notre Cœur'. He also authored a travel book titled, ‘La Vie errante'.

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Major Works

His seminal work, ‘La Parure’ remains one of his most famous short stories. The story is particularly known for its surprising ending. In 2007, it was produced at the Edinburgh Festival.

His magnum opus, 'Boule de Suif' is widely revered as one of his best short stories. This short story was made into an opera named, ‘The Greater Good’ in 2006.

Personal Life & Legacy

It is widely believed that from 1880 to 1886, he was in a relationship with a woman named, Gisele Estoc.

He was also romantically involved with a woman named, Josephine Litzelmann.

He fathered three children - Honore Lucien Litzelmann, Jeanne Lucienne Litzelmann and Marthe Marguerite Litzelmann.

He suffered from Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that he contracted in his youth.

He suffered from mental problems and tried to commit suicide by slitting his throat in 1892. He was later admitted into a private mental institute, Esprit Blanche at Passy, in Paris.

He died at the age of 42 in Esprit Blanche at Passy, in Paris. He was laid to rest at the Cimetiere du Montparnasse, Paris.

In 1894, he became the subject of Leo Tolstoy’s book ‘The Works of Guy de Maupassant'.

Facts About Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant was a talented amateur boxer and was known for his physical strength and agility.

Despite his reputation as a serious writer, Maupassant had a great sense of humor and loved playing practical jokes on his friends and colleagues.

Maupassant was a skilled fisherman and spent many hours fishing on the Seine River, finding inspiration for his stories in the tranquility of nature.

He had a deep love for animals and often featured them in his writing, showcasing his compassion and empathy towards all living creatures.

Maupassant was a great admirer of the works of Gustave Flaubert and considered him a mentor and friend, showing his appreciation for the literary community of his time.

Guy de Maupassant Biography

You wanted to know

What is Guy de Maupassant famous for?

What inspired Guy de Maupassant to write?

How did Guy de Maupassant's works reflect realism?

What impact did Guy de Maupassant have on literature?

What are some key themes in Guy de Maupassant's works?