The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume VIII.

"The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume VIII" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of tales, including the novel "Pierre et Jean," crafted in the late 1800s. The collection combines thoughtful looks at minds with imaginary stories, often studying family relationships, envy, and where people stand in society. "Pierre et Jean" is a story about two brothers, Pierre and Jean Roland, whose lives are turned upside down when the younger brother inherits money from a friend of the family, leading to feelings of jealousy and testing the strength of their brotherly connection. The story introduces the Roland family during a fishing trip with the two brothers, their parents, and Madame Rosémilly. The father's complaints about the lack of fish highlight the tensions and rivalries within the family, especially between Pierre and Jean, who are both fond of each other but also aware of their competition, especially for their mother's attention and romantic possibilities. The story quickly moves to Jean's inheritance, which sparks jealousy in Pierre, who struggles with his feelings and the societal impact of the inheritance, creating a mental conflict that drives the story.