Two Friends by Guy De Maupassant

 An In-depth Analysis of Two Friends by Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant, one of the greatest short story writers of the 19th century, is known for his vivid storytelling, deep psychological insights, and sharp social commentary. His short story Two Friends (originally published in 1883) is a powerful tale that blends themes of war, friendship, patriotism, and fate. This blog explores the plot, characters, themes, literary techniques, and the relevance of Two Friends in today’s world. 

Plot Summary

Set during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), Two Friends tells the story of two Parisian men, Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage, who share a love for fishing. Before the war, they used to fish together by the Seine River. However, due to the ongoing war and the Prussian siege of Paris, their routine has been disrupted.

One day, they meet unexpectedly in a café and reminisce about their past fishing trips. Overcome with nostalgia, they decide to sneak past enemy lines to their favorite fishing spot, despite the dangers. They obtain a password from a French officer and venture out, enjoying a peaceful moment amidst the chaos of war.

However, their serenity is short-lived as they are soon captured by Prussian soldiers. The German officer interrogates them, demanding the French army’s password. When they refuse to betray their country, they are executed, and their bodies are thrown into the river—the same river where they once found joy and solace.

Character Analysis

Monsieur Morissot

Morissot is a watchmaker by profession, representing the ordinary middle-class man caught in the turmoil of war. He is passionate about fishing and values friendship and peace. His character is a symbol of innocence and the tragic cost of war.

Monsieur Sauvage

Sauvage is a draper, embodying similar traits to Morissot—love for leisure, a patriotic heart, and unwavering loyalty to his country. His friendship with Morissot highlights the simple yet profound bond between individuals who share a common passion.

The Prussian Officer

The Prussian officer is a ruthless figure who represents the brutality of war. He is pragmatic, indifferent to human emotions, and focused solely on military strategy. His character serves as a stark contrast to the two friends, emphasizing the merciless nature of war.

Themes in Two Friends

1. War and Its Brutality

The story vividly portrays the harsh realities of war. While Morissot and Sauvage seek a brief escape, war finds them nonetheless, leading to their tragic deaths. Maupassant critiques how war robs people of their innocence, joy, and ultimately, their lives.

2. Friendship and Loyalty

Despite the dire situation, Morissot and Sauvage remain united. Their friendship is unwavering, even in the face of death. They choose to uphold their values rather than betray their country, showing the depth of their loyalty and integrity.

3. The Contrast Between Nature and War

Maupassant contrasts the peaceful beauty of the river with the violence of war. The Seine River, once a place of joy and tranquility for the two friends, ironically becomes their grave. This juxtaposition reinforces the idea that war destroys even the most serene aspects of life.

4. Patriotism vs. Self-Preservation

The two friends refuse to reveal military secrets, showcasing their patriotism. Their decision, though noble, leads to their execution. The story raises the question of whether loyalty to one’s country should come at the cost of one’s life.

Literary Techniques in Two Friends

1. Irony

The ultimate irony in the story is that Morissot and Sauvage seek an escape from war but end up being its victims. Another instance of irony is how the same river that brought them happiness also becomes their final resting place

2. Symbolism

The River Seine: A symbol of peace and nostalgia, but also of fate and death.

The Fish: The fish continue to swim peacefully, unaware of human conflicts, symbolizing the indifference of nature to human suffering.

3. Realism

Maupassant employs realism by depicting the horrors of war without romanticization. His vivid descriptions of Paris under siege and the Prussian soldiers' ruthlessness add to the story’s emotional impact.

4. Foreshadowing

Early in the story, there are hints that Morissot and Sauvage's adventure will not end well. The secrecy, the ominous war atmosphere, and their disregard for danger all foreshadow their tragic fate.

Joys of Motherhood

 A Critical Analysis of The Joys of Motherhood with Indian TV Series Comparisons

Introduction

             Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979) is a powerful feminist novel that explores the intersection of motherhood, gender roles, and colonialism in Nigeria. The novel follows the life of Nnu Ego, an Igbo woman, as she struggles with societal expectations, personal desires, and the realities of being a mother in a changing world. Emecheta critiques the traditional view of motherhood as the ultimate source of joy for women, exposing the sacrifices and suffering that come with it.

         This essay examines the themes, characterization, and socio-political significance of the novel while drawing parallels with Indian TV series that depict similar struggles of motherhood, gender roles, and family expectations.

Plot Summary

            The novel is set in both colonial and post-colonial Nigeria, shifting between rural Ibuza and urban Lagos. Nnu Ego, the daughter of a respected chief, is expected to fulfill the traditional role of a mother. Her first marriage ends in failure due to her inability to conceive, reinforcing the societal belief that a woman's worth is tied to her fertility. She later marries Nnaife, a laundryman in Lagos, and gives birth to many children.

             However, instead of the expected fulfillment, Nnu Ego faces immense hardship—poverty, loneliness, and ungrateful children. She sacrifices everything for them, believing they will care for her in old age. But when she grows old, she is abandoned, dying alone. The novel’s ironic title highlights the painful realities of motherhood

Themes and Comparisons with Indian TV Series

1. The Burden of Motherhood

         The novel questions the romanticized idea that motherhood is a source of happiness. Nnu Ego is celebrated when she bears children, yet she suffers throughout her life—economically, emotionally, and physically.

Example from Indian TV: Anupamaa (2020–present) follows the story of Anupamaa, a self-sacrificing mother who dedicates her life to her children and husband. Like Nnu Ego, she believes her worth lies in her role as a mother and wife. However, when she realizes she is being taken for granted, she decides to reclaim her identity, something Nnu Ego never gets the chance to do.

2. Gender Roles and Patriarchy

       Igbo society, as depicted in the novel, strictly defines gender roles. Women are expected to be submissive, bear children, and serve their husbands. Nnu Ego’s struggles highlight the limitations placed on women, especially in a rapidly modernizing world.

Example from Indian TV: Balika Vadhu (2008–2016) depicts how women are bound by patriarchal norms. The protagonist, Anandi, is forced into child marriage and is expected to conform to societal expectations of being a devoted wife and mother. Similar to Nnu Ego, she has little control over her own life.

3. Tradition vs. Modernity

       The novel juxtaposes traditional Igbo values with the effects of colonialism and modernization. In Ibuza, women rely on communal support, while in Lagos, Nnu Ego experiences isolation and hardship.

Example from Indian TV: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2009–present) explores the conflicts between traditional family expectations and modern aspirations. Like Nnu Ego’s children, who embrace Westernized values and abandon their mother, the show portrays children who defy traditional norms, leaving their parents feeling betrayed.

4. Colonialism and Economic Struggles

          Nnaife’s role as a washerman for white colonial masters signifies the economic dependency imposed on Nigerians. The novel critiques how colonialism exacerbates poverty, forcing people like Nnu Ego to struggle for survival in an unfamiliar urban setting.

Example from Indian TV: Buniyaad (1986) depicts the struggles of partition refugees trying to rebuild their lives in a new India. Just as colonial rule forces Nnu Ego’s family into economic hardship, partition uproots families in Buniyaad, forcing women into difficult survival roles.

5. Motherhood as a Sacrifice

           Nnu Ego’s story is one of endless sacrifice. She prioritizes her children over her own well-being, yet they ultimately abandon her. The novel questions whether motherhood is truly rewarding or merely an obligation forced upon women.

Example from Indian TV: Udaan (2014–2019) tells the story of Chakor, whose mother sacrifices everything to free her daughter from a life of servitude. Like Nnu Ego, she hopes her sacrifice will lead to a better future for her children.

Character Analysis and Comparisons

1. Nnu Ego – The Tragic Mother

           Nnu Ego is the protagonist, whose life is defined by suffering and self-sacrifice. She believes that children bring fulfillment, yet she faces disillusionment when they grow distant. Her tragic end emphasizes the harsh realities of motherhood in a patriarchal society.

Example from Indian TV: Anupamaa from Anupamaa is a modern version of Nnu Ego, constantly sacrificing for her family, only to be taken for granted. However, unlike Nnu Ego, Anupamaa eventually realizes her worth and fights for her independence.

2. Nnaife – The Weak Husband

       Nnaife is portrayed as irresponsible and unable to provide for his family. His failure as a husband forces Nnu Ego into extreme hardship, showing the imbalance of gender roles where women bear the consequences of men’s failures.

Example from Indian TV: Vanraj from Anupamaa exhibits similar traits. He takes his wife for granted and expects her to serve the family while he focuses on his own desires. Like Nnaife, he fails to understand the emotional and physical toll on his wife.

3. Oshia and Adim – The Ungrateful Sons

      Nnu Ego’s sons, particularly Oshia, symbolize the changing values of a modernized Nigeria. Educated and raised with Western ideals, they do not follow traditional expectations of caring for their mother.

Example from Indian TV: In Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000–2008), several characters face similar struggles, where children raised in privilege neglect their traditional family values, much like Nnu Ego’s sons. 

Conclusion

        The Joys of Motherhood is a deeply moving critique of the glorification of motherhood and the sacrifices it demands. Emecheta exposes the harsh realities of a patriarchal society where women are expected to find joy in suffering.

              By comparing the novel to Indian TV series, we see that these themes are universal. Whether it is Nnu Ego’s struggles in Nigeria or Anupamaa’s sacrifices in India, the societal expectations placed on women remain a global issue. The novel remains relevant today as it challenges the belief that motherhood is the ultimate form of fulfillment, urging societies to redefine the role of women beyond  just being mothers.