Old Mongilet (Maupassant)

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Guy de Maupassant

Old Mongilet

Summary of the Short Story

Microsummary: An eccentric office worker preferred exploring Paris by omnibus rather than visiting the countryside, recounting a disastrous trip to a friend's house that left him disenchanted with rural life.

An eccentric old employee named Mongilet was known for never leaving Paris except for one time in his life. His colleagues often went on excursions to the countryside, but Mongilet preferred to explore Paris by omnibus, claiming it was more interesting and amusing.

It is the drama, the real, the true, the drama of nature, seen as the horses trot by.

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Old Mongilet — narrator; eccentric office worker; prefers exploring Paris by omnibus; never married.

One day, his colleagues convinced him to share the story of his one and only trip outside of Paris. Twenty years ago, Mongilet's friend Boivin invited him to spend a Sunday at his house in Colombes.

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Boivin — Mongilet's friend; married to an unpleasant woman; lives in the countryside; easily gets drunk.

Upon arriving, Mongilet was greeted by Boivin's unpleasant wife, who reluctantly let him in.

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Mme. Boivin — Boivin's wife; unpleasant, controlling, and unkind; unwilling to provide hospitality.

Boivin showed Mongilet his small, sunless garden and asked for his help in watering the plants. Afterward, they went inside for lunch, which consisted of a meager meal and watered-down wine. Boivin's wife refused to give her husband any money for the day, insisting that Mongilet should cover their expenses.

Boivin and Mongilet went for a walk in the hot sun, eventually reaching a riverbank tavern. After a few glasses of wine, Boivin became drunk and started causing trouble. Mongilet managed to get him out of the tavern and they both fell asleep under a bush. When they woke up, it was dark and they were lost in a vineyard. After wandering around for hours, a peasant finally helped them find their way back to Boivin's house.

As they arrived, Boivin's wife appeared, furious at Mongilet for bringing her husband home drunk. Terrified, Mongilet ran all the way to the train station and vowed never to leave Paris again. This experience also contributed to his decision to never marry.