Beautiful Friend - World Literature Library

Author: Guy de Maupassant
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Since the beginning of literary creation, literary works have seemed to be divided into highbrow and popular categories, even sparking debates: whether highbrow is better or popular is better. Despite thousands of years of discussion, no consensus has been reached. In China, since ancient times, there has been a distinction between "Yangchun Baiyue" (highbrow) and "Xi Liba" (popular), with each following its own path. While there may be a perceived hierarchy in name, in reality, they are roughly equal, with no clear winner. Over time, some emerged to moderate these differences, proposing the concept of "enjoyed by both the refined and the popular" from an aesthetic perspective. Thus, to commend a work as "enjoyed by both the refined and the popular" has, to some extent, become a high form of praise. The Beautiful Friend is a French novel that embodies this concept. The book has long been regarded as a masterpiece of high culture and is included in the canon of world literature, holding a prominent place in the treasure trove of global literature. Over a century, countless articles and monographs have been published on Guy de Maupassant and his works, praising his dual perspective, his meticulous and profound observation of the world, his ability to discern life's philosophies and the laws of things from everyday and human behavior. They also commend him as a master storyteller, skilled in creating vivid and witty narratives, adept at setting the mood and crafting dramatic effects, forming a refined and distinctive artistic style. Now, almost everyone knows that The Beautiful Friend is a classic masterpiece. However, many have forgotten or are unaware of how the original novel truly was. George Duroy paid with a hundred francs① at the restaurant, took the change from the cashier, and walked out. He was a strikingly handsome man, retaining the dignity of a former officer, standing straight with a military bearing. He stroked his mustache in the habit of a soldier, his handsome gaze swiftly glanced at the late dinner guest...