# Endnotes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Guy de Maupassant.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Guy de Maupassant

The author whose works are cited throughout the endnotes.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_23_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters