I have said almost every time, that I want to read more stories but I end up not reading enough. Now, it's even more difficult with my workload. I have so many unread books, and unfinished books, plus podcasts, and anytime I remember the books to read I just become sad. Usually, whenever I get back, I am always gravely knackered and it is near impossible to read anything or even post. Well, it is what it is. Today, I decided to read a short story and also share it with you guys. Not making any promise for the future this time, lol.
I needed to write about Guy De Maupassant because he usually goes under the radar, but he is a master of this genre. I have read a number of his works, and like this one, they are usually influenced by personal experience and you all know how much I enjoy that level of authenticity.
- Author - Guy De Maupassant
- Title - Two Friends
- Originally Published - 5 February 1883
- Genre - Fiction, Short Stories
PLOT
Another riveting piece by Guy. The author tells the tale of two friends, who met each other during the Prussian war. The city of Paris was torn apart by famine, as the people were willing to eat anything they could lay their hands upon, including the rats in the sewers. The two friends saw each other on the streets on empty stomachs, and soon, a magical friendship started to brew. Every morning they'd meet each other and go fishing, enjoying the view and each other's company. One day, they decided to go outside the camp to fish, after they got drunk with wine on an empty stomach. Since they were familiar with the guard, he let them out giving them a password for return. Soon the two friends were fishing and relishing each other's company; catching a couple of fish, not long before four bearded men crept upon them with riffles asking for the password to the city so that their life would be spared, but, it doesn't end there.
CHARACTER
- Monsieur Morisot and;
- Monsieur Sauvage and the two protagonist of the story.
SETTING
The story was set in France, during the Franco-German war.
PURPOSE
There is an obvious pick out from this. The priceless benefit of friendship. During such trying times, the two friends were each other's source of happiness.
What a story. Guy De Maupassant never ceases to impress me. I read one of his old ones, "The Diary of a Madman" and it was another stellar piece of literature. I have truly enjoyed this story. The author used simple words, making the story understandable and also the characters somewhat relatable. He (the author) also fought in the war during his time, so this influenced his writing and he depicted war and conflict for exactly what it is; a terrible plague. The story had an excellent plot development, and it is quite noteworthy. The ending also was ideal, and I don't say that too many times. A very fine story. I would recommend it for your leisure, and also I would rate it a solid 4 out of 5.