
The Works of Guy de Maupassant
PIERRE ET JEAN - AND OTHER STORIES
Copyright, 1909, By - BIGELOW, SMITH & CO.
OF "THE NOVEL"
PIERRE ET JEAN - CHAPTER I
DREAMS
MOONLIGHT
THE CORSICAN BANDIT
A DEAD WOMAN'S SECRET
THE CAKE
This work opens with a thoughtful meditation on what truly makes a novel a novel. The author questions the rigid formulas that critics often impose, suggesting that stories should not be confined to a three‑act structure or a single set of expectations. By drawing on a wide range of classic literature—from Don Quixote to Madame Bovary—the essay illustrates how diverse narratives can each claim the title of novel, even when they defy conventional rules.
Moving beyond definition, the piece critiques the habits of literary reviewers, urging them to adopt a more impartial, analytical stance. It argues that a genuine critic should appreciate the creative spirit of writers, regardless of personal taste, and should encourage experimentation rather than enforce a single aesthetic. The essay invites readers to reconsider their own assumptions about storytelling and to embrace a broader, more inclusive view of literary art.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (554K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sankar Viswanathan, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
Jul 14, 2007
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1850–1893
A sharp observer of ordinary lives, he turned brief stories into something vivid, unsettling, and unforgettable. His fiction helped define the modern short story and still feels fresh for its clarity, irony, and emotional force.
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by Guy de Maupassant

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by Guy de Maupassant

by Guy de Maupassant

by Guy de Maupassant

by Guy de Maupassant