Guy de Maupassant

Date of Birth: August 5, 1850

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: July 6, 1893

Biography

Guy de Maupassant, born Henri René Albert Guy de Maupassant, was a renowned French writer considered one of the masters of the short story. He was born on August 5, 1850, in the Château de Miromesnil, near Dieppe, France. Maupassant’s early life was marked by his parents’ separation, and he was raised by his mother, who was a great influence on his literary career. Maupassant began his literary career with the help of Gustave Flaubert, a close family friend and mentor. His first published story, “Boule de Suif” (1880), was an instant success and established him as a prominent writer. Over the next decade, he wrote approximately 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of verse. His most notable works include “Bel-Ami” (1885), “Pierre et Jean” (1888), and “La Parure” (“The Necklace”). Maupassant’s writing is known for its economy of style, keen observations, and a blend of realism and naturalism. His stories often depict the complexities of human nature and society, infused with irony and dark humor. Despite his success, Maupassant’s life was plagued by mental illness, and he spent his final years in a state of mental decline. He died on July 6, 1893, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Guy de Maupassant

1. Maupassant served in the Franco-Prussian War, which greatly influenced his writing.

2. He was a protégé of Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to other literary figures including Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

3. Maupassant suffered from syphilis, which contributed to his mental decline and eventual death.

4. He attempted suicide by cutting his throat in 1892 but survived and was subsequently committed to a private asylum.

5. Maupassant was also an accomplished yachtsman and enjoyed sailing along the French Riviera.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Guy de Maupassant

1. “Our memory is a more perfect world than the universe: it gives back life to those who no longer exist.”

2. “The essence of life is the smile of round female bottoms, under the shadow of cosmic boredom.”

3. “A legal kiss is never as good as a stolen one.”

4. “It is the lives we encounter that make life worth living.”

5. “Patriotism is a kind of religion; it is the egg from which wars are hatched.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Guy de Maupassant is not well-documented, but he was quite successful and affluent in his time due to the popularity of his works.