Realism | Lecturia

Guy de Maupassant: The Dowry

“The Dowry” (La dot) is a short story by Guy de Maupassant published on September 9, 1884, in Gil Blas. It tells the story of Simon Lebrumet, a notary, who marries the young Jeanne Cordier in the village of Boutigny-le-Revours. Their marriage comes as no surprise to anyone, as Lebrumet needs money to buy a notary’s office and Jeanne has a considerable dowry. He is a pleasant man and she is an attractive woman, albeit somewhat provincial. The first days of their marriage are filled with sweetness and passion, and Lebrumet proves to be a tender and delicate husband. To enjoy their honeymoon, the couple plans to travel to Paris; however, a curious situation alters their plans.

Jorge Luis Borges: Emma Zunz

“Emma Zunz,” a short story by Jorge Luis Borges published in the book El Aleph (1949), tells the story of Emma, a young textile factory worker. Emma receives the news that her father, who was living far away after being unjustly accused of theft, has died due to an overdose of veronal. Grief-stricken and convinced that she knows the culprit behind her father’s misfortune, Emma embarks on a meticulous plan of revenge to restore her father’s honor.

F. Scott Fitzgerald: Pat Hobby’s Christmas Wish

“Pat Hobby’s Christmas Wish” is a short story by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, published in Esquire in January 1940. The story follows Pat Hobby, a mediocre and declining screenwriter, trapped in the Hollywood studio grind and forced to work on Christmas Eve. His bitter existence takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Helen Kagle, his new secretary, who, barely settled in, bursts into tears, leaving Pat bewildered. In trying to console her, Pat discovers that Helen is keeping a secret about a top studio executive and a letter that could change, perhaps forever, their fortunes.

Horacio Quiroga: A Slap in the Face

‘A Slap in the Face’ is a short story by Horacio Quiroga, published in Fray Mocho on 28 January 1916, which explores violence and revenge in the obrajes of Alto Paraná. The story, set in the Paraná jungle, opens with Acosta, an unscrupulous steward who traffics caña among the labourers on the steamship Meteoro, unleashing chaos that is eventually brutally repressed. When order is restored, only one mensú is punished, tied to the ship’s mast. Unable to hold Acosta accountable, Korner, a ruthless skipper, turns his anger on the immobilised mensú, slapping him in the face. This abuse of power unleashes a simmering conflict that will continue for years.

Truman Capote: A Christmas Memory

“A Christmas Memory” is a touching short story by Truman Capote, published in Mademoiselle in December 1956. In a nostalgic autumn in the southern United States, a seven-year-old boy and his quirky and loving cousin prepare to carry out their annual tradition of making fruit pies to give away at Christmas. Bound by a close friendship, they roam the countryside gathering fruit and visiting unique corners of the village to gather the necessary ingredients. For them, Christmas is not just another social event, but an intimate ritual that celebrates tenderness, imagination, and the bonds of the heart.

Charles Dickens: The Convict’s Return

“The Convict’s Return” is a short story by Charles Dickens published in 1837 in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. It tells the harsh story of a family in England. The father, Edmunds, is a man despised by the community because of his violent nature and dissolute life. His wife, despite constant abuse, remains devoted to her son, whom she cares for with love and dedication. The boy, growing up in an abusive environment, becomes a rebellious young man, a true reflection of his father. As the years pass, the boy strays from the straight and narrow and falls into disgrace, while his mother, steadfast in her love, tries to support him with faith and sacrifice.