by guy de maupassant author, background, literary terms,...
TRANSCRIPT
by Guy de Maupassant
Author, Background, Literary Terms, Vocabulary
1850 – 1893 One of the world’s greatest short story
writers Born in Normandy, France
His short stories are filled with fascinating details of nineteenth-century life
In his writings, forces such as a person’s family, surroundings, physical makeup, and personality determine the outcome of events
Became popular very quickly For 11 years he wrote at a hectic
rate 6 novels Nearly 300 short stories
THE CAUSES
Prussian Otto Edward Leopold von Bismarck wanted to unify Germany under Prussian control.◦ Also to eliminate French influence
over Germany.
◦ All Germans were united in their hatred of France
French emperor Napoleon III, nephew of the famous Napoleon Bonapart, wanted to restore power and prestige to France.
Launched a major rebuilding plan for Paris, to again make it the capital city of a new French led Europe. Wanted to stop Prussia from growing
too strong and to humiliate them. Prussia’s recent defeat of Austria
constituted a threat to French dominance of Europe
Hoped a good short war would restore faith in his Empire.
July 19, 1870 France declares war on Prussia
German states unite to fight France
Napoleon III surrendered at the Battle of Sedan◦ Sept. 1, 1870◦ Upon receiving info of
Napoleon III (French emperor) capture and surrender, Paris rose in rebellion.
Sept. 19, 1870-January 28, 1871
4 months, the "city of lights” was transformed. ◦ became an army camp◦ food became scarce; ate
cats, dogs, rats, horses, zoo animals
◦ citizens fought with crude and makeshift weapons
◦ No communication; used hot air balloons.
The surrender was the final defeat of the French Army
Unified German Empire and became the main power in Europe◦ Powerful army
Established French Third Republic
French desired revenge
Set up WWI
The high point of interest or suspense at which the tension is greatest◦ Expected - The tension increases gradually,
leading to a climax that you know is coming
◦ Unexpected – The climax arrives suddenly and unexpectedly
An idea or a statement that is relevant to people of almost any time or place◦ Examples: friendship, courage, love, honor
Details that hint at how things may turn out◦ Examples
Sometimes they describe character traits – human qualities that help determine the outcomes of events
Other times, these details are events in the world that surround the character
As we read the story, look for significant events in the surroundings that hint at danger.
haberdasher (103)
anglers (103)
ardent (103)
vernal (103)
jauntiness (104)
absinthe (104)
gudgeon (105)
liveried (106)
