Short Fiction · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter consists of endnotes and citations from various volumes of Guy de Maupassant's works, including poetic excerpts, translator's notes, and references to other authors such as Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, and Alfred de Musset.
What happens
This chapter consists of endnotes and citations from various volumes of Guy de Maupassant's works, including poetic excerpts, translator's notes, and references to other authors such as Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, and Alfred de Musset.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
Several poetic excerpts explore themes of love, desire, and physical intimacy.
Illusion vs. Reality
Translator's note on 'Désabusé' (disillusioned) and 'Des abusés' (among the deluded) highlights the tension between illusion and reality.
Characters to notice
- Guy de Maupassant
The author whose works are cited throughout the endnotes.
Key passages
“I hate the poet who with tearful eye Murmurs some name while gazing tow’rds a star, Who sees no magic in the earth or sky Unless Lizette or Ninon be not far.”
The poet criticizes those who cannot appreciate nature without linking it to a romantic interest.
From The Works of Guy de Maupassant, vol. 8, p. 278.
“A woman changeth oft her mind: Yet fools still trust in womankind.”
Women are fickle, but men are foolish to rely on them.
From The Complete Writings of Guy de Maupassant, vol. 7, p. 100.
“Caresses are merely restless transports, The vain efforts of poor Love to attempt The impossible union of souls through the body.”
Physical caresses are futile attempts to achieve a spiritual connection.
From The Works of Guy de Maupassant, vol. 10, p. 287.