French Literature

French literature, one of the world's most brilliant, has been for centuries an impressive aspect of French civilization, an object of national pride, and a principal focus for feelings of national identity. Because the French are a literate people, passionately interested in questions of language and in the exploration of ideas, the influence of French intellectuals on the course of French history during the last three centuries has been great, and remains so today.

A high proportion of European literary trends have originated in France. The continuing prestige of literature in France is evidenced today by the innumerable private societies devoted to individual authors and by the large number of literary prizes awarded each year. A knowledge of French literature, in short, is the key to an understanding of the French people.

About the Author

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

-was born at the Château de Miromesniel, on August 5, 1850.

-was a French author of naturalistic school who is generally considered the greatest French short story writer.

About the Author

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

-was a popular French writer during the 19th century.

-he is considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the world’s greatest writers of short fiction.

-his stories are characterized by their economy of style and their efficient, effortless endings.

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

A Dead Woman’s

SecretGuy de Maupassant

Vocabulary WordsAppease (verb)- to bring to a state of peace or quiet

Austere (adjective)-morally strict; severely simple

Countenance (noun)-the appearance of a person’s face

Epistle (noun)-composition in the form of a letter

Frantically (adjective) -emotionally out of control

Loathing (noun) -a very strong feeling of hatred or disgust

Magistrate (noun) -an official exercising administrative or judicial functions

Pell-mell (adv./noun)-in mingled confusion or disorder

Squall(verb)-to utter in a strident voice

Characters:

Dead Woman- the mother of Eulalie and the judge who seemed to die without pain.

Marguerite/Sister Eulalie- the daughter of the dead woman; a nun Magistrate- the son of the dead woman; a judge

Priest- the one who watch over the wake of the dead woman

Setting:

• At the house of the dead woman

•Night

Theme:

Keeping SecretsSincerity

Moral Lesson:

Everyone has a secret, but only some people are brave enough to reveal it to their loved ones. 

Thank You !