Original Short Stories — Volume 10

"Original Short Stories — Volume 10" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of late 19th-century narratives that explore the depths of human experience and the complex realities of life. The stories often highlight powerful emotions and moral dilemmas through tales of love, sorrow, and the struggles of being human. One notable story, "The Christening," opens with a discussion about alcohol's harmful effects between a seasoned ship surgeon and another person. This sets the stage for a disturbing event in Brittany, where deep-rooted traditions lead to the careless endangerment of a newborn during a severe winter. Despite the surgeon's warnings, the father, Kerandec, and his family stubbornly follow custom, which results in the tragic death of the baby, offering a harsh examination of social customs and the burdens of parental duty.