Guy de Maupassant

Profession: Author

Nationality:

Biography: Maupassant is a French author renowned for his short stories, of which he wrote many in his lifetime—perhaps best known is his 'Boule de Suif' ('The Dumpling'), which is widely regarded as a masterpiece. These works are characterised by their terse style and subtle structuring.

Thematically, Maupassant focused on the darker aspects of life and the determinism of a world ruled by human psychology and grim necessity.

He was a protégé of Gustave Flaubert and contemporary of many other well known authors, including Emile Zola and Ivan Turgenev—both of whom he met through Flaubert, who his mother had originally introduced him to.

Thanks to Flaubert's guidance, with Maupassant's talent and sense, he was successful in his lifetime and has been held in enduring regard since.

Towards the end of his life, Maupassant retreated into solitude and ultimately, paranoia. He became obsessive and eventually sought to commit suicide by cutting his own throat. While this was unsuccessful and he was committed to a private asylum, he died there a few days later.

Born: August 5, 1850
Birthplace: Château de Miromesnil, France
Star Sign: Leo

Died: July 6, 1893 (aged 42)
Cause of Death: Died four days after trying to commit suicide by cutting his throat