Simon's Papa - Guy De Maupassant

INTRODUCTION: Henry Rene Guy De Maupassant shortly known as Guy De Maupassant was a 19th century French author. He is the master of short story form. His works depicts the human lives, destines and social forces in disillusioned and often pessimistic terms. Some of his notable works are ‘A Woman’s Life ‘, ‘Bel-Ami’ and ‘Simon’s Papa’. This short story ‘Simon’s Papa’ was published in 1879.

 

SIMON FACES HUMILIATION: Simon was a 7 to 8 year old boy and he was the only son of La Blanchotte. He never used to come out of his house, and his first day in school was a worst experience for him. The youngsters in school humiliate him and mock at him just because Simon don’t have a father. Simon’s classmates behave very rudely with him.

SIMON DECIDES TO DROWN: Simon fights with his classmates for insulting him but he was stamped down by the monstrous crowd of boys around him. After certain extent Simon could no more withstand the insults and he started throwing stones at them. The boys fled away out of fear. Simon feel dejected because of his classmates actions and he decides to drown himself in the river. He thought that death alone can give him peace.

SIMON MEETS PHILIP: Simon went to the river in the intention to drown himself. Various things in nature diverted him before he can put forth his decision into action. He kneeled down to do his last prayer but he could not fulfill. He burst out crying and suddenly a hand touched his shoulders and Simon saw a tall man standing behind him. The tall man named Philip, knew a little about La Blanchotte, mother of Simon. Philip convinced Simon and took him to Simon’s home. When La Blanchotte came to know about her son’s experience in school she felt very bad.

SIMON AND PHILIP: Simon asked Philip whether he can be his father. At first Philip thought he was joking but when he threatened of drowning himself he accepted to be his father. Simon was so happy about this and he said to his classmates that he has got a father named Philip. His classmates continued insulting him because they didn’t believe him. But Simon was so stubborn this time. He didn’t feel depressed this time. He enjoyed his time with Philip.

PHILIP AND LA BLANCHOTTE: La Blanchotte was very formal with Philip. She didn’t allowed Philip to enter her house. Even when he volunteered to talk with her, she was so formal. Since she was already cheated by man and got a bad name by the society, she don’t want to be the topic of gossip again. So she maintained a respectable distance with Philip. But Philip thought that she turned rosier whenever she talked with him.

PHILIP REMY AS SIMON’S PAPA: Simon’s classmates asked that if Philip was Simon’s father, then he should be his mother’s husband too. This statement confused Simon and he asked about this to Philip, meeting him in his forge. Philip’s friends advised him to marry La Blanchotte, and said that she is a good, honest girl and upright in spite of her misfortune and would make a worthy wife for an honest man. Philip talked with La Blanchotte and once she accepted, he said to Simon that he can tell to his classmates that his father is Philip Remy, the blacksmith and if any one dare to do any harm to Simon his father will pull the ear of them.

--HAPPY LEARNING --