STORY
6. Two Little Soldiers
by Guy de Maupassant
Summary
In
the story "Two Little Soldiers," the narrative follows the friendship
between two soldiers, Luc Le Ganidec and Jean Kerderen. Despite their different
personalities, they are close friends and spend their Sundays together in the
peaceful countryside near Bezons.
During
one of their outings, they encounter a young milkmaid who captures their
attention. They strike up a friendship with her, and she shares her milk and
breakfast items with them during their meetings. Over time, both soldiers
become enamored with the milkmaid, and she becomes the focus of their
conversations and thoughts.
However,
things take a turn when Luc starts leaving the barracks frequently without any
explanation. He borrows money from Jean but keeps his activities outside the
barracks a secret. Jean is left feeling confused and heartbroken, unable to
understand Luc's actions.
On
the next Sunday, when the milkmaid appears with her cow, she rushes to embrace
and kiss Luc, ignoring Jean. Luc and the milkmaid disappear into the woods for
an extended period, leaving Jean feeling abandoned and hurt. He realizes his
own feelings for the milkmaid and his naivety in not understanding Luc's
intentions earlier.
As
the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Luc and the milkmaid have become
lovers, leaving Jean feeling betrayed and heartbroken. The milkmaid's
preference for Luc and her disregard for Jean's feelings deepen his pain.
The
story explores themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and the complexities of
human emotions. It delves into the fragility of relationships and the impact of
unrequited love. The characters' interactions highlight the vulnerability and
unpredictability of emotions, as well as the transformative power of love.
In
the end, "Two Little Soldiers" offers a poignant portrayal of the
human heart's capacity for both joy and pain. It serves as a reflection on the
complexities of relationships, the choices we make, and the profound impact
they can have on our lives. The story leaves readers with a sense of melancholy
and contemplation about the complexities of love and the paths it may lead us
down.
Understanding the text
Answer these questions.
a. Why do the two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away
from the barrack out in the countryside?
The
presence of the dairymaid, the young milkmaid, intrigues and captivates the two
soldiers, Luc Le Ganidec and Jean Kerderen, during their walks in the
countryside. Her charm and friendly demeanor draw them towards her, sparking a
curiosity and desire to spend time with her. The peaceful environment of the
countryside provides the perfect backdrop for their encounters with the
milkmaid, away from the noise and routine of the barracks. Their Sunday outings
become an opportunity to meet and interact with her, as they are taken in by
her kindness and the sense of companionship she offers. In her presence, the
soldiers find solace and a break from their military duties, making their
excursions to the countryside a cherished escape from the regimented life of the
barracks.
b. Why does the girl become the topic of conversation for these
soldiers?
The
girl becomes the topic of conversation for the soldiers, Luc Le Ganidec and
Jean Kerderen, because both of them develop feelings of love and affection for
her. The encounters with the young milkmaid during their Sunday outings leave a
profound impact on both soldiers. They are enamored by her charm, kindness, and
beauty, which sparks a deep emotional connection with her. As they spend more
time with the milkmaid, their feelings intensify, and she becomes the center of
their thoughts and conversations. They discuss their interactions with her,
share their experiences, and contemplate their emotions for her. The girl's
presence in their lives becomes a significant and cherished aspect, leading to
the milkmaid becoming the primary topic of conversation between the two
soldiers.
c. Why does deception enter into their friendship?
Deception
enters into their friendship because of the romantic involvement between Luc Le
Ganidec and the young milkmaid. Luc's frequent visits to the girl on Tuesdays
and Fridays, without explaining his actions or including Jean, lead to a breach
of trust between the two friends. Jean becomes worried and suspicious about
Luc's behavior, sensing that he is keeping secrets and deceiving him. The
romantic relationship between Luc and the milkmaid becomes a source of tension
and betrayal in their friendship, as Luc prioritizes his connection with the
girl over his bond with Jean. The deception ultimately undermines the trust and
openness that once defined their friendship, leaving Jean feeling hurt and
abandoned.
d. Do you think that Luc is a betrayer of friendship?
Yes,
I agree that Luc can be seen as a betrayer of friendship. His actions of
frequently leaving the barracks without informing Jean and spending time with
the milkmaid without including his friend indicate a lack of honesty and
openness in their friendship. True friendship is built on trust and
communication, and by keeping his visits to the girl a secret, Luc breaks that
trust and betrays the bond they once shared. If he valued their friendship, he
would have been transparent about his feelings and intentions, keeping Jean in
the loop about his interactions with the milkmaid. Luc's deception and
prioritization of his romantic interest over his friendship with Jean suggest a
betrayal of the trust and loyalty that friends should have for each other.
e. What is the cause of suicide of Jean? Do you think that it
was the only release of his love?
The
suicide of Jean was a culmination of various factors, with the betrayal by his
friend Luc and unrequited love playing significant roles. The discovery of
Luc's romantic involvement with the milkmaid left Jean feeling abandoned, hurt,
and jealous. The depth of his feelings for the milkmaid and the realization
that she preferred Luc over him added to his despair. The betrayal by his
closest friend, coupled with the pain of unrequited love, became overwhelming
for Jean, leading him to see suicide as a way to escape his emotional turmoil.
While the release of his love might have been a contributing factor, it was the
combination of betrayal, jealousy, and heartbreak that pushed Jean to such a
drastic and tragic decision. His suicide highlights the profound impact of
emotions and the consequences of broken trust and unfulfilled love.
Reference to the context
a. What is the central theme of the story?
The
central theme of the story "Two Little Soldiers" is the complexities
of love and friendship. The narrative explores the interplay between romantic
love and friendship, and how these emotions can lead to change, discontent,
conflict, betrayal, and jealousy. The story revolves around the relationship
between two French soldiers, Luc Le Ganidec and Jean Kerderen, who are close
friends but become entangled in a love triangle with a young milkmaid. The
unexpected result at the end of the story highlights the unpredictability of
emotions and the consequences of unrequited love and broken trust. Through the
characters' experiences, the story delves into the intricate and often
bittersweet nature of human relationships and the impact they can have on
individuals' lives.
b. "What are you doing here? Are you watching the grass
grow?"
i.
Who is the speaker?
The
speaker is the milkmaid.
ii.
What does the word “here” indicate?
"Here"
means the place where the two soldiers visit every weekend.
iii.
Who does “you” refer to?
"You"
refers to two soldiers.
c. "He leaned--he--he was leaning--so far over--that his
head carried him away--and--he--fell--he fell----"
i.
Who is the speaker?
The
speaker is Luc.
ii.
Why is the speaker speaking with interruption?
The
speaker is speaking with interruption because he is in pain and scared of the
death of Jean.
iii.
What does he mean when he says “he--fell--he fell---”?
He
means that Jean fell into the river.
d. Two Little Soldiers can be viewed as a series of dramatic
scenes. Describe the story as tragedy.
"Two
Little Soldiers" can be seen as a tragic story filled with dramatic
scenes. The triangular love story unfolds with elements of jealousy, betrayal,
and romantic love, leading to change and discontent. The friendship between Luc
Le Ganidec and Jean Kerderen is strong, but the entry of the milkmaid creates
enmity and deception. Luc's deceptive acts, coupled with the milkmaid's
preference for him, deeply hurt Jean, leaving him heartbroken and desperate. He
chooses to hide his pain and ends up feeling like a fool. The tragic turn of
events culminates in Jean's decision to commit suicide, highlighting the impact
of betrayal and unrequited love. The story portrays the complexity of human
emotions and the devastating consequences of broken trust and unfulfilled
desires, making it a tragic tale with a surprising and sorrowful ending.
e. What is the setting and style of the story?
The
setting of "Two Little Soldiers" is the town of Courbevoie in the
French countryside, where the story revolves around the lives of two soldiers,
Luc Le Ganidec and Jean Kerderen. Although there is no active combat depicted
in the narrative, the story is set during a war, adding depth and context to
the characters' experiences.
In
terms of style, the story is presented in a realistic manner, capturing the
complexities of human emotions and relationships. The author, Guy de
Maupassant, known for his military background, brings a sense of authenticity
to the soldiers' experiences and the military setting. His writing style is
straightforward and unembellished, focusing on the characters' feelings and
actions, as well as their interactions with each other and the milkmaid. The
story's realism and focus on love affairs highlight Maupassant's ability to
delve into the complexities of human nature and emotions, making "Two
Little Soldiers" a compelling and poignant read.
f. How would you describe the conflict between the friends?
The
conflict between the friends, Luc Le Ganidec and Jean Kerderen, revolves around
their shared attraction to the milkmaid, which leads to a triangular love
relationship. Both soldiers become enamored with the young woman, and she becomes
the central focus of their conversations and thoughts. However, conflict arises
when Luc starts hiding his frequent visits to the milkmaid from Jean, leading
to a breach of trust and deception between the two friends. Jean's realization
of the affair between Luc and the milkmaid intensifies his feelings of jealousy
and betrayal, as he feels cheated and hurt by his close friend. The conflict
remains mostly unexpressed, but the mental turmoil within Jean is evident as he
struggles with his emotions. Ultimately, the conflict and emotional distress
culminate in Jean's tragic decision to end his life. The conflict in the story
is deeply rooted in unfulfilled desires, jealousy, and betrayal, highlighting
the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of hidden conflicts in
relationships. The story portrays the devastating impact of unresolved feelings
and deception on friendship, resulting in a tragic outcome for one of the
friends.
Reference beyond the text
a. Is it good to have conflict between friendship and love? Is
it morally good that a person and his best friend can love the same person?
Conflict
between friendship and love can be a challenging and delicate situation to
navigate. Both friendship and romantic love are important relationships that
contribute to a person's emotional well-being and happiness. When these two
aspects come into conflict, it can lead to complicated emotions and potential
strain on the relationships involved.
On
one hand, true friends are supposed to support and care for each other
unconditionally. They provide a sense of companionship, understanding, and
trust. However, when romantic feelings emerge for the same person, it can
introduce jealousy, competition, and insecurity into the friendship. The fear
of losing the person's affection or jeopardizing the friendship can create
conflict within the individuals involved.
At
the same time, it is not inherently morally wrong for two friends to love the
same person. Love is a complex emotion that can't always be controlled or
predicted. Feelings can arise naturally, and it may not be within a person's
control to suppress or avoid them. However, how individuals handle these
emotions, and the ensuing conflict can have moral implications.
Open
communication is essential in such situations. Honest conversations between
friends can help address their feelings and concerns. Respecting each other's
emotions and understanding of the complexities involved is vital in maintaining
the friendship. It is crucial to be considerate of the other person's feelings
and not let jealousy or resentment overpower the friendship.
Ultimately,
the key is to approach the situation with empathy and maturity. If the love is
mutual between one of the friends and the person in question, it is essential
to handle the situation with sensitivity and respect for the other friend's
feelings. It may be challenging but supporting each other in navigating these
emotions can help preserve the friendship and minimize conflict.
In
conclusion, conflict between friendship and love can be difficult to manage,
but it is essential to approach such situations with compassion and open
communication. While it may not be morally wrong to have similar feelings for
someone, how individuals handle these emotions and navigate the situation can
have a significant impact on the friendships involved. Prioritizing open and
honest communication and respecting each other's emotions can help maintain
friendship and foster a healthy resolution to the conflict.
b. How would you describe triangular love?
Triangular
love is a complex and intricate form of romantic relationship that involves
three individuals. It goes beyond the traditional concept of a romantic couple,
as each person in the triangle has some form of connection or relationship with
the other two. This form of love can manifest in various ways, including
romantic relationships, friendships, or even family relationships.
In
the context of the short story "Two Little Soldiers," the triangular
love is characterized by the romantic feelings that both friends, Luc Le
Ganidec and Jean Kerderen, develop for the young milkmaid. The story delves
into the dynamics of this triangular love, highlighting the complexities and
conflicts that arise as a result.
In
a triangular love, there is often a sense of competition and jealousy between
the individuals involved. The two friends in the story find themselves vying
for the affection of the milkmaid, leading to feelings of betrayal and hurt
when one of them appears to have won her favor.
Triangular
love can lead to a significant emotional impact on all three individuals. It
creates a web of emotions and loyalties, where each person must navigate their
feelings for the other two while also grappling with their own desires and vulnerabilities.
The
short story portrays the destructive consequences of deceptive actions and
unrequited love within a triangular relationship. Luc's deception and betrayal
of Jean's trust lead to a tragic outcome, underscoring the intensity of
emotions and conflicts that can arise in such complex love dynamics.
Triangular
love is a compelling and challenging form of romantic relationship that
explores the intricacies of human emotions and the consequences of conflicting
feelings. It showcases the fragility and complexity of relationships, where
competing desires and emotions can lead to both heartbreak and profound
self-discovery. The short story "Two Little Soldiers" serves as a
poignant example of the complexities and potential tragedies that can arise in
triangular love situations.
Best of Luck
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