Original Short Stories — Volume 06

"Original Short Stories — Volume 06" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. This volume features several narratives that explore human emotions and intricate social dynamics, often characterized by a poignant blend of tragedy and wit. The opening story, “That Costly Ride,” introduces Hector de Gribelin, a man struggling with the burdens of poverty and societal expectations, as he navigates an outing that quickly spirals out of control. At the start of the collection, Hector de Gribelin's family lives modestly, grappling with their dwindling noble status amidst financial hardship. The excitement of planning a rare family outing becomes a comedic yet tragic spectacle when Hector, riding a horse for the first time in years, loses control and inadvertently injures an old woman, leading to a series of mounting anxieties and complications. This sets the stage for Maupassant’s exploration of the themes of social status, the struggle for dignity, and the unpredictable nature of life, all reflected through the lens of the protagonist’s ill-fated ambitions for a simple day of joy. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Translated by A. E. Henderson, Albert Cohn McMaster, Louise Charlotte Garstin Quesada. Reading ease score: 78.0 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read. Originally issued 2004-10-03. Transcribed by Produced by David Widger. This work is in the public domain in the United States. Sourced from Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3082).