Afloat (Sur l'eau)

"Afloat" (Sur l'eau) by Guy de Maupassant is a compilation of reflective diary entries that captures the peacefulness and charm of sea life in the late 1800s. The story presents a thoughtful look at nature, loneliness, and what it means to be human, all through the eyes of the narrator as he sails on his yacht, "Bel-Ami". The journey begins one quiet morning with the sailors, Bernard and Raymond, as they sail into the calm waters creating a sense of freedom and vividly describing the lovely seascape and the difficulties of navigating. The narrator's thinking examines the simplicity of sea life while contrasting it with the chaos of the world, examining his crew's personalities, and suggesting deeper thinking about life and human nature, setting the stage for a story that appreciates the moment while longing for deeper understanding.