"The Coward." A Short Story Guy de Maupassant

Summary

In 'The Coward,' a short story by Guy de Maupassant, Vicomte de L'Estrapade, known for his charm and prowess in duels, faces an unexpected challenge when a stranger's rude stare at a lady disrupts an evening outing. The ensuing confrontation leads to a duel with pistols, a choice that brings the Vicomte face to face with his own fear and mortality. Unable to bear the thought of potential disgrace, he tragically takes his own life before the duel, leaving behind a testament to his inner turmoil.

Takeaways

• 😎 The protagonist, Vicomte de Laon, is portrayed as a handsome, wealthy, and well-liked man in society, known for his charm and prowess in duels.
• 👀 Vicomte de Laon encounters a rude man, George Lam, who persistently stares at one of the ladies in his company, leading to an altercation at an ice cream parlor.
• 🗣️ Laon demands that George Lam stop his impolite behavior, but is met with a foul word that shocks everyone present, escalating the situation.
• 👊 In response to the insult, Laon slaps George Lam, setting the stage for a formal duel, which is a matter of honor in their society.
• 🔍 Laon spends the night contemplating the duel, considering the choice of weapon and the potential outcomes, revealing his inner turmoil and fear.
• 🤔 Laon's fear and anxiety about the duel intensify, leading him to question his own courage and the consequences of the duel on his reputation.
• 🥃 In an attempt to calm his nerves, Laon drinks heavily, which only exacerbates his fear and makes him realize he cannot go through with the duel.
• 🔫 Laon's desperation leads him to a tragic decision when he discovers a loaded pistol, which he uses to end his life, unable to face the duel.
• 📜 The script ends with the poignant image of Laon's blood staining the paper on which he had begun to write his last will and testament.
• 💔 The story highlights the tragic consequences of societal expectations and the pressure to maintain honor, even at the cost of one's life.
• 📚 The narrative serves as a critique of the dueling culture, showing how it can lead to irrational fear and the ultimate loss of a life that had so much potential.

Q & A

What was Vicomte de Galm's reputation in society?

Vicomte de Galm was known as a handsome and wealthy bachelor with an attractive appearance and manner, who was popular at social events and considered a skilled swordsman and marksman.

What incident at the restaurant led to a potential duel?

Vicomte de Galm confronted a man, George Lam, who was rudely staring at one of the ladies dining with him, which led to a heated exchange and the possibility of a duel.

How did Vicomte de Galm initially react to the confrontation at the restaurant?

Vicomte de Galm was initially indignant and demanded that the man stop his rude behavior, which escalated to the point where he slapped George Lam's face, initiating a formal challenge.

What emotions did Vicomte de Galm experience after the confrontation?

Vicomte de Galm experienced a range of emotions including agitation, fear, and a sense of duty to uphold his honor, which led to him contemplating the upcoming duel.

What did Vicomte de Galm do to prepare for the duel?

He chose seconds, the Marquee de l'Noir and Colonel Bordan, to help arrange the duel, and considered the choice of weapon, ultimately deciding on pistols.

What was Vicomte de Galm's state of mind as the time for the duel approached?

Vicomte de Galm was extremely anxious and fearful, struggling with his emotions and the reality of potentially fighting a duel to the death.

How did Vicomte de Galm attempt to cope with his fear?

He tried to convince himself of his bravery, drank alcohol to seek courage, and even attempted to write a will, but ultimately could not overcome his fear.

What was the significance of the loaded pistol in Vicomte de Galm's final moments?

The loaded pistol represented the imminent danger of the duel and his internal struggle. It was the weapon that ultimately led to his tragic decision to take his own life rather than face the duel.

What was the outcome of Vicomte de Galm's internal conflict?

Unable to reconcile his fear with the societal expectations of bravery, Vicomte de Galm took his own life with the loaded pistol.

What does Vicomte de Galm's story say about the pressures of societal expectations?

The story highlights the intense pressure to maintain honor and reputation in society, which can lead individuals to make desperate decisions to avoid the stigma of cowardice.

How is the theme of fear and courage explored in the script?

The theme is explored through Vicomte de Galm's internal struggle with fear as he contemplates the duel, his attempts to appear brave, and the ultimate realization of his inability to face the duel.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Duelist's Dilemma

The story introduces Vicomte de Laur, a handsome and wealthy bachelor known for his charm and social grace. He is admired by women and envied by men, having achieved fame as a skilled swordsman and marksman. One evening, while enjoying ice cream with friends, he confronts a man, George Lam, who has been rudely staring at one of the ladies. The confrontation escalates, leading to a public insult and the challenge of a duel. Vicomte de Laur is initially confident, believing in his reputation and skill, but soon finds himself gripped by anxiety and fear as he contemplates the duel and the potential consequences.

05:03

🤯 The Grip of Fear

In this paragraph, Vicomte de Laur's inner turmoil is explored as he wrestles with his fear of the impending duel. He experiences a range of emotions, from anger at the situation to a deep sense of unease and dread. Despite his outward resolve to fight, he is haunted by the possibility of his own death and the loss of his social standing. His fear becomes palpable as he paces his room, drinks water to calm his nerves, and struggles to sleep. The paragraph ends with Vicomte de Laur's realization of his own mortality and the stark reality of the duel's life-threatening nature.

10:05

🥃 Desperate Measures for Courage

Here, Vicomte de Laur's fear intensifies as he awaits the arrangements for the duel. He tries to assert his resolve by discussing the duel's conditions with his seconds, who are supportive and confident in his shooting abilities. In an attempt to quell his anxiety, he drinks heavily, but this only exacerbates his agitation. His fear becomes overwhelming, leading to physical symptoms such as trembling and a dry mouth. The paragraph concludes with Vicomte de Laur's inability to write his last will and testament, highlighting his loss of control over his emotions and actions.

15:07

🔫 The Tragic Resolution

In the final paragraph, Vicomte de Laur's struggle reaches its climax. Unable to bear the thought of the duel and the shame of backing down, he contemplates his options and the potential outcomes. In a moment of despair, he discovers a loaded pistol and, in a desperate act to escape his fear and the impending duel, takes his own life. The paragraph ends with the shocking aftermath, as the valet finds his master dead, with a crimson stain on the will he had attempted to write, symbolizing the tragic end to the story.

Keywords

💡Handsome Senol

The term 'Handsome Senol' is a nickname given to the protagonist, Vicont Gon Joseph de Mopas, in the society he frequents. It refers to his good looks and charm, which are central to his social persona. His handsome appearance is a key element in the story, as it contributes to his popularity and the expectations placed upon him as a 'society man'.

💡Elegance

Elegance in the script is an inherent quality of the protagonist, which, along with his good looks, makes him stand out in social gatherings. It is a form of grace and sophistication that is admired and sought after in high society, and it plays a significant role in the way he is perceived and treated by others.

💡Duel

A 'duel' is a formal, regulated combat between two individuals, typically to settle a point of honor. In the context of the story, the duel is a pivotal event that arises from an offense perceived by the protagonist. It symbolizes the societal code of honor and the lengths to which individuals will go to defend their reputation.

💡Pride and Nobility

Pride and nobility are traits attributed to the protagonist, reflecting his high social standing and the values he embodies. These traits are integral to his character and influence his actions, particularly his decision to engage in a duel to uphold his honor.

💡Insult

The 'insult' is a critical event in the script that triggers the sequence of events leading to the duel. It is a public affront to the protagonist's honor, which he feels compelled to avenge, demonstrating the importance of reputation and respect in the society depicted.

💡Fear

Fear is a central theme in the script, particularly as it manifests in the protagonist's internal struggle. Despite his outward bravado, he is gripped by fear at the prospect of the duel, which ultimately leads to his tragic end. It highlights the conflict between societal expectations and personal emotions.

💡Courage

Courage, or the lack thereof, is a key concept in the narrative. The protagonist's struggle with fear contrasts with the societal expectation of courage, especially in matters of honor. His inability to reconcile these conflicting forces contributes to the story's dramatic tension.

💡Honor

Honor is a fundamental value in the script, driving the actions of the protagonist. It is the reason he challenges his adversary to a duel and the standard by which he measures his worth. The concept of honor is deeply intertwined with the societal norms and the code of conduct expected of gentlemen.

💡Pistol

The 'pistol' is the weapon chosen for the duel, symbolizing the deadly seriousness of the conflict. It is a tool that can uphold or destroy honor, depending on the outcome of the duel. The choice of pistols also reflects the protagonist's willingness to risk his life to preserve his honor.

💡Death

Death is a looming presence throughout the script, particularly as the protagonist contemplates the possible outcome of the duel. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions and the ultimate price one might pay for honor and societal expectations.

💡Social Standing

Social standing is a critical aspect of the protagonist's identity and influences his actions and decisions. It is tied to his reputation and the perception of others, which he seeks to protect through the duel. His social standing is also what he fears losing the most, highlighting the importance of social acceptance in his world.

Highlights

Introduction of the protagonist Vicomte de Laubardemont, a handsome and wealthy bachelor with a reputation for charm and skill in dueling.

Description of the incident at the ice cream parlor that leads to a confrontation with an ill-mannered stranger.

The stranger's rudeness and the Vicomte's reaction, which escalates the situation to a potential duel.

The Vicomte's internal conflict and the realization that he is not as fearless as he thought.

The Vicomte's struggle with his emotions, including fear and anger, as he contemplates the upcoming duel.

The decision-making process regarding the choice of weapon for the duel, with the Vicomte leaning towards pistols.

The Vicomte's attempt to maintain his composure and reputation, despite his growing anxiety.

The Vicomte's efforts to find seconds for the duel and the selection of influential figures to support him.

The Vicomte's physical manifestations of fear, such as trembling and an inability to eat or drink.

The Vicomte's attempt to find courage in alcohol, which ultimately fails to alleviate his fear.

The preparation for the duel, including the agreement on the conditions and the selection of a location.

The Vicomte's contemplation of his own mortality and the possibility of death as a result of the duel.

The Vicomte's reflection on his life and the potential loss of his social standing if he shows fear.

The Vicomte's final moments of desperation and his tragic decision to end his life rather than face the duel.

The aftermath of the Vicomte's suicide and the discovery by his valet.

The moral of the story, which reflects on the consequences of pride and the fear of losing honor.

Transcripts

[Music]

the coward a short story by Guy De mopas

in society he was called handsome senol

his name was vicont gon Joseph deol an

orphan and possessed of an ample Fortune

he cut quite a dash as it is called he

had an attractive appearance and manner

could talk well had a certain inborn

Elegance an air of pride and nobility a

good mustache and a tender eye that

always finds favor with women he was in

great request at receptions Walts to

Perfection and was regarded by his own

sex with that smiling hostility accorded

to the popular Society man he had been

suspected of more than one love affair

calculated to enhance the reputation of

a bachelor he lived a happy peaceful

life a life of physical and mental

well-being he had won considerable Fame

as a swordsman and still more as a

marksman when the time comes for me to

fight a duel he said I shall choose

pistols with such a weapon I am sure to

kill my

man one evening having accompanied two

women friends of his with their husbands

to the theater he invited them to take

some ice cream at toron after the

performance they had been seated a few

minutes in the restaurant when senes

noticed that a man was staring

persistently at one of the ladies

she seemed annoyed and lowered her eyes

at last she said to her husband there's

a man over there looking at me I don't

know him do you the husband who had

noticed nothing glanced across at the

offender and said no not in the least

his wife continued half smiling half

angry it's very tiresome he quite spoils

my ice cream the husband Shrugged his

shoulders nonsense don't take any notice

of of him if we were to bother our heads

about all the ill-mannered people we

should have no time for anything

else but the vom abruptly left his seat

he could not allow this insolent fellow

to spoil an ice for a guest of his it

was for him to take cognizance of the

offense since it was through him that

his friends had come to the restaurant

he went across to the man and said sir

you are staring at those ladies in a

manner I cannot permit I must ask you to

desist from your rudess the other

replied let me alone will you take care

sir said the vcom between his teeth or

you will force me to Extreme

Measures the man replied with a single

word a foul word which could be heard

from one end of the restaurant to the

other and which startled everyone there

all those whose backs were toward the

two disputants turned round all the

others raised their heads three waiters

spun round on their heel heels like tops

the two lady cashiers jumped as if shot

then turned their bodies simultaneously

like two autometer worked by the same

spring there was dead silence then

suddenly a sharp crisp sound the vicont

had slapped his adversary's face

everyone Rose to interfere cards were

exchanged when the vicont reached home

he walked rapidly up and down his room

for some minutes he was in a state of

too great agitation to think connectedly

one idea alone possessed him a duel but

this idea aroused in him as yet no

emotion of any kind he had done what he

was bound to do he had proved himself to

be what he ought to be he would be

talked about approved congratulated he

repeated aloud speaking as one does when

under the stress of great mental

disturbance what a brute of a man then

he sat down and began to reflect he

would have to find seconds as soon as

morning came whom should he choose he be

thought himself of the most influential

and best known men of his acquaintance

his choice fell at last on the Marquee

de lour Noir and Kel Bordan a nobleman

and a soldier that would be just the

thing their names would carry weight in

the newspapers he was thirsty and drank

three glasses of water one after another

then he walked up and down again if he

showed himself Brave determined prepared

to face a duel in deadly Earnest his

adversary would probably draw back and

profer excuses he picked up the card he

had taken from his pocket and thrown on

a table he read it again as he had

already read it first at a glance in the

restaurant and afterward on the way home

in the light of each Gas Lamp George Lam

51 Ru

mon that was all he examined closely

this collection of letters which seemed

to him mysterious fraught with many

meanings George Lam who was the man what

was his profession why had he stared so

at the woman was it not monstrous that a

stranger an unknown should thus all at

once upset one's whole life simply

because it had pleased him to stare

rudely at a woman and the vicont once

more repeated aloud what a brute then he

stood motionless thinking his eyes still

fixed on the card anger Rose in his

heart against this scrap of paper a

resentful anger mingled with a strange

sense of uneasiness it was a stupid

business altogether he took up a pen

knife which lay open Within Reach and

deliberately stuck it into the middle of

the printed name as if he were stabbing

someone so he would have to fight should

he choose swords or pistols for he

considered himself as the insulted party

with the sword he would risk less but

with with the pistol there was some

chance of his adversary backing out a

duel with swords is rarely fatal since

Mutual Prudence prevents the combatants

from fighting close enough to each other

for point to enter very deep with

pistols he would seriously risk his life

but on the other hand he might come out

of the affair with flying colors and

without a jewel after all I must be firm

he said the fellow Will Be

Afraid the sound of his own voice

startled him and he looked nervously

around the room he felt unstrung he

drank another glass of water and then

began undressing Preparatory to going to

bed as soon as he was in bed he blew out

the light and shut his eyes I have all

day tomorrow he reflected for setting my

Affairs in order I must sleep now in

order to be calm when the time comes he

was very warm in bed but he could not

succeed in losing consciousness he

tossed and turned remained for 5 minutes

lying on his back then changed to his

left side then rolled over to his right

he was thirsty again and Rose to drink

then a qualm seized him can it be

possible that I am afraid why did his

heart beat so uncontrollably at every

well-known sound in his room when the

clock was about to strike the prefatory

grating of its spring made him start and

for several seconds he panted for breath

so unnerved was he he began to reason

with himself on the possibility of such

a thing could I by any chance be afraid

no indeed he could not be afraid since

he was resolved to proceed to the last

extremity since he was irrevocably

determined to fight without flinching

and yet he was so perturbed in mind and

body that he asked himself is it

possible to be afraid in spite of

oneself and this doubt this fearful

question took possession of him if an

irresistible power stronger than his own

will were to quell his courage what

would happen he would certainly go to

the place appointed his will would force

him that far but supposing when there he

were to tremble or faint and he thought

of his social standing his reputation

his name and he suddenly determined to

get up and look at himself in the glass

he lighted his candle when he saw his

face reflected in the mirror he scarcely

recognized it he seemed to see before

him a man whom he did not know his eyes

looked disproportionately large and he

was very pale he remained standing

before the mirror he put out his tongue

as if to examine the state of his health

and all at once the thought flashed into

his mind at this time the day after

tomorrow I may be dead and his heart

throbbed painfully at this time the day

after tomorrow I may be dead this person

in front of me this I whom I see in the

glass will perhaps be no more what here

I am I look at myself I feel myself to

be alive and yet in 24 hours I may be

lying on that bed with closed eyes dead

cold

inanimate he turned round and could see

himself distinctly lying on his back on

the couch he had just quitted he had the

hollow face face and the limp hands of

death then he became afraid of his bed

and to avoid seeing it went to his

smoking room he mechanically took a

cigar lighted it and began walking back

and forth he was cold he took a step

toward the Bell to wake his valet but

stopped with hand raised toward the Bell

rope he would see that I am afraid and

instead of ringing he made a fire

himself his hands quivered nervously ly

as they touched various objects his head

grew dizzy his thoughts confused

disjointed painful a numbness seized his

Spirit as if he had been drinking and

all the time he kept on saying what

shall I do what will become of me his

whole body trembled spasmodically he

rose and going to the window Drew back

the curtains the day a summer day was

breaking the pink sky cast a glow on the

city its roofs and its walls a flush of

light enveloped the awakened world like

a caress from the Rising Sun and the

glimmer of dawn kindled New Hope in the

breast of the vicont what a fool he was

to let himself succumb to fear before

anything was decided before his seconds

had interviewed those of George Lam

before he even knew whether he would

have to fight or not he bathed dressed

and left the house with a firm step he

repeated as he went I must be firm very

firm I must show that I am not afraid

his seconds the Marquee and the colonel

placed themselves at his disposal and

having shaken him warmly by the hand

began to discuss

details you want a serious jeel asked

the colonel yes quite serious replied

the Von you insist on pistols put in the

Marquee yes do you leave all the other

arrangements in our hands with a dry

jerky voice the vcom answered 20 Paces

at a given signal the arm to be raised

not lowered shots to be exchanged until

one or other is seriously wounded

excellent conditions declared the

colonel in a satisfied tone you are a

good shot all the chances are in your

favor and they parted the vicom returned

home to wait for them his agitation only

temporarily allayed now increased

momentarily he felt in arms legs and

chest a sort of trembling a continuous

vibration he could not stay still either

sitting or standing his mouth was

parched and he made every now and then a

clicking movement of the tongue as if to

detach it from his pallet he attempted

to take luncheon but could not eat then

it occurred to him to seek courage in

drink and he sent for a decanter of rum

of which he swallowed one after another

six small glasses a burning warmth

followed by a deadening of the mental

faculties ensued he said to himself I

know how to manage now it will be all

right but at the end of an hour he had

emptied the decanter and his agitation

was worse than ever a mad longing

possessed him to throw himself on the

ground to bite to scream night fell a

ring at the Bell so unnerved him that he

had not the strength to rise to receive

receive his seconds he dared not even to

speak to them wish them good day utter a

single word lest his changed voice

should betray him all is arranged as you

wished said the colonel your adversary

claimed at first the privilege of the

offended part but he yielded almost at

once and accepted your conditions his

seconds are two military

men thank you said the vcom the Marquee

added please excuse us if we do not stay

now for we have a good deal to see to

yet we shall want a reliable doctor

since the duel is not to end until a

serious wound has been inflicted and you

know that bullets are not to be trifled

with we must select a spot near some

house to which the wounded party can be

carried if necessary in fact the

arrangements will take us another 2 or 3

hours at

least the vont articulated for the

second time thank you you're all right

asked the the colonel quite calm

perfectly calm thank you the two men

withdrew when he was once more alone he

felt as though he should go mad his

servant having lighted the lamps he sat

down at his table to write some letters

when he had traced at the top of a sheet

of paper the words this is my last will

and testament he started from his seat

feeling himself incapable of connected

thought of decision in regard to

anything so he was going to fight he

could no longer avoid it what then

possessed him he wished to fight he was

fully determined to fight and yet in

spite of all his mental effort in spite

of the exertion of all his willpower he

felt that he could not even preserve the

strength necessary to carry him through

the ordeal he tried to conjure up a

picture of the duel his own attitude and

that of his enemy every now and then his

teeth chattered audibly he thought he

would read and took down shat V's rules

of dueling then he said is the other man

practiced in the use of the pistol is he

well known how can I find out he

remembered Baron Devo's book on Marksman

and searched it from end to end George

Lam was not mentioned and yet if he were

not an Adept would he have accepted

without demure such a dangerous weapon

in such deadly

conditions he opened a case of gastine

renette which stood on a small table and

took from it a pistol next he stood in

the correct attitude for firing and

raised his arm but he was trembling from

head to foot and the weapon shook in his

grasp then he said to himself it is

impossible I cannot fight like this he

looked at the little black death

spitting hole at the end of the pistol

he thought of Dishonor of The Whispers

at the clubs the smiles in his friends

drawing rooms the contempt of women the

veiled sneer of the newspapers the

insults that would be hurled at him by

cowards he still looked at the weapon

and raising the hammer saw the glitter

of the priming below it the pistol had

been left loaded by some Chance some

oversight and the discovery rejoiced him

he knew not why if he did not maintain

in presence of his opponent the

steadfast bearing which was so necessary

to his honor he would be ruined forever

he would be branded stigmatized as a

coward hounded out of society and he

felt he knew that he could not maintain

that calm unmoved demeanor and yet he

was Brave since the thought that

followed was not even rounded to a

finish in his mind but opening his mouth

wide he suddenly plunged the barrel of

the pistol as far back as his throat and

pressed the trigger when the valet

alarmed at the report rushed into the

room he found his master lying dead upon

his back a spurt of blood had splashed

the white paper on the table and had

made a great Crimson Stain beneath the

words this is my last will and

[Music]

testament