Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 19

"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 19" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of literary works written in the late 19th century. This particular volume includes the novel "Pierre et Jean," which explores complex family dynamics, personal aspirations, and social themes against the backdrop of societal norms of the time. Central to the narrative are two brothers, Pierre and Jean Roland, whose contrasting personalities and the tension stemming from a significant inheritance set the stage for their evolving relationship. At the start of "Pierre et Jean," we are introduced to the Roland family during a fishing outing, highlighting the interactions among the father, his two sons, and a widow named Mme Rosémilly. As the family engages in their pastime, the subtle undercurrents of rivalry and jealousy emerge, particularly between the brothers, who both vie for the affection of the widow. Following the fishing trip, a visit from a notary reveals that Jean is the unexpected heir to a fortune from a deceased friend of the family, leading to tension as Pierre grapples with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. The opening establishes themes of sibling rivalry and the repercussions of newfound wealth, setting up a narrative rich in psychological depth and emotional conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.)