Original Short Stories — Volume 13

"Original Short Stories — Volume 13" by Guy de Maupassant is a compilation of late 19th-century short stories that examines human behavior, moral questions, and difficult relationships. The narratives, which range in setting and character, give readers a broad spectrum of emotions and philosophical ideas. The collection starts with "Old Judas," a story set against a bleak backdrop around a lake, where Uncle Joseph, a solitary fisherman, lives; the story revolves around a legend of the Wandering Jew, telling of a strange beggar who dies tragically, creating a sense of impending doom and touching on themes of isolation and the supernatural. "The Little Cask" follows, depicting innkeeper Chicot's attempt to persuade an old woman to give up her land, demonstrating Maupassant's talent for portraying human avarice and craftiness; this introduction establishes the collection's tone, hinting at the numerous themes and ethical challenges that the stories will address.