The Donkey Page #3

"The Donkey" by Guy de Maupassant is a short story that explores themes of human folly, pride, and the absurdity of social status through the lens of a seemingly simple event involving a donkey. The narrative unfolds in a small rural setting, where the interactions between its characters—reflecting their aspirations and pretensions—highlight the irony and humor inherent in their situations. As Maupassant deftly portrays the complexities of human behavior, the story illustrates how societal norms and personal ambitions often lead to unexpected and amusing outcomes. The tale serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of dignity and the way individuals relate to one another in the tapestry of life.

• Short story

								


Anxiously the man asked: “Think it's venison?”

Labouise answered: “Might be and then again it might not! Venison?—uh! uh!—might be a little big for that! Mind you, I don't say it's a doe, because I don't know, but it might be.”

Still the dealer insisted: “Perhaps it's a buck?”

Labouise stretched out his hand, exclaiming: “No, it's not that! It's not a buck. I should have seen the horns. No, it's not a buck!”

“Why didn't you bring it with you?” asked the man.

“Because, sister, from now on I sell from where I stand. Plenty of people will buy. All you have to do is to take a walk over there, find the thing and take it. No risk for me.”

The innkeeper, growing suspicious, exclaimed “Supposing he wasn't there!”

Labouise once more raised his hand and said:

“He's there, I swear!—first bush to the left. What it is, I don't know. But it's not a buck, I'm positive. It's for you to find out what it is. Twenty-five francs, cash down!”

Still the man hesitated: “Couldn't you bring it?”

Maillochon exclaimed: “No, indeed! You know our price! Take it or leave it!”

The dealer decided: “It's a bargain for twenty francs!”

And they shook hands over the deal.

Then he took out four big five-franc pieces from the cash drawer, and the two friends pocketed the money. Labouise arose, emptied his glass and left. As he was disappearing in the shadows he turned round to exclaim: “It isn't a buck. I don't know what it is!—but it's there. I'll give you back your money if you find nothing!”

And he disappeared in the darkness. Maillochon, who was following him, kept punching him in the back to express his joy.
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