Contes du jour et de la nuit

"Contes du jour et de la nuit" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century, showcasing the author's keen observation of human nature and societal norms. Through a variety of characters and settings, Maupassant explores themes of love, morality, and the complexities of daily life, often with a touch of irony and dark humor. The opening of the book introduces us to the character of Boniface, the postman, who finds unexpected joy in a lighter workload as he distributes mail in the countryside. His day takes a dark turn when he reads a disturbing news story about a violent crime, leading him to a sense of urgency and dread that compels him to investigate a mysterious situation at the home of the newly appointed tax collector. As he grapples with fear and curiosity, the tension builds, culminating in a rush to seek help from the local gendarmerie. Maupassant sets the tone for the stories to follow, blending the mundane with the macabre and highlighting the unpredictability of life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)