Narrative Techniques:
* Realism: Maupassant was a prominent figure in the literary movement of Realism, focusing on depicting everyday life and social issues with accuracy and objectivity. He often portrayed the darker sides of human nature and the struggles of ordinary people.
* Naturalism: While he embraced Realism, Maupassant also leaned towards Naturalism, emphasizing the influence of social and biological factors on human behavior. He often explored the impact of heredity, environment, and societal pressures on individuals.
* Third-person limited omniscient narration: Maupassant frequently used this perspective, allowing readers to see the world through the eyes of a single character, providing insights into their thoughts and feelings.
* Irony: Maupassant was a master of irony, often using it to highlight the absurdity and contradictions of human nature. He employed situational irony, dramatic irony, and verbal irony to create moments of tension and surprise.
* Surprise endings: Many of Maupassant's stories feature unexpected twists and turns that challenge readers' expectations and leave them pondering the meaning of the narrative.
Figurative Language:
* Imagery: Maupassant skillfully used sensory details to create vivid and memorable images for his readers. He painted pictures with his words, appealing to the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
* Symbolism: Certain objects, characters, or events often carry symbolic meaning in Maupassant's stories, representing deeper themes or ideas.
* Metaphor and Simile: He used these figures of speech to create comparisons and evoke richer meaning in his descriptions and character development.
Other Literary Terms:
* Setting: Maupassant often used the setting of his stories to reflect the themes and characters. He created a sense of atmosphere and mood through detailed descriptions of the environment.
* Characterization: He often relied on indirect characterization, revealing characters through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with others.
* Theme: Recurring themes in his stories include love, death, betrayal, social injustice, and the complexities of human relationships.
Beyond these, Maupassant's writing is also known for its:
* Conciseness and precision: His stories are known for their tight and focused narratives, free of unnecessary embellishments.
* Emphasis on plot and character: The action and the people in his stories are central to their impact.
* Objectivity and detachment: Even when dealing with sensitive subjects, Maupassant maintained a seemingly detached and objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
By skillfully utilizing these literary techniques, Maupassant crafted stories that remain relevant and engaging for readers even today.