Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant was a French writer, widely regarded as a master of the short story and a prominent figure in the Naturalist school of literature. He was born on August 5, 1850, in Tourville-sur-Arques, France, and died on July 6, 1893, in Passy, France. Maupassant's work is characterized by its realism, psychological depth, and often pessimistic outlook on human nature and society.

Maupassant's literary output was prodigious, encompassing over 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of poetry. His short stories often explore themes of everyday life, love, marriage, social class, and the darker aspects of human behavior, such as greed, jealousy, and madness. His most famous short stories include "Boule de Suif," "The Necklace," and "The Horla." His novels, such as "Bel-Ami" and "Une Vie," also delve into social critique and the complexities of individual lives within a particular social milieu.

He was influenced by Gustave Flaubert, his mentor, and Émile Zola, a leading proponent of Naturalism. Maupassant's writing style is known for its clarity, conciseness, and objective narration. He often employed irony and a detached, almost clinical, observation of his characters and their circumstances. His exploration of the human condition, coupled with his keen social commentary, has cemented his place as one of the most important writers of the 19th century. Maupassant's later years were marked by mental illness, likely syphilis, which contributed to his premature death.