“An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

“An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant first appeared in print in 1884, though the exact collection remains uncertain. The story showcases Maupassant’s signature strengths as a short story writer. With its economical prose and unexpected twist, “An Uncomfortable Bed” exemplifies his ability to weave tension and humor into a tightly constructed narrative. The protagonist’s escalating paranoia, fueled by his friends’ reputation for practical jokes, keeps the reader engaged while prompting reflection on the subjectivity of perception and the potential for self-sabotage.

Main Events in “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

1. Arrival at the Chateau: The narrator arrives at a chateau in Picardy for the hunting season and is given a warm welcome by his friends.
2. Suspicion of a Practical Joke: The narrator is suspicious of his friends’ excessive merriment and thinks they are planning a practical joke on him.
3. Bedtime Preparations: The narrator takes precautions to avoid a potential joke, lighting all the candles, closing the shutters, and dragging the mattress into the middle of the room.
4. A Sleepless Hour: The narrator remains awake for an hour, starting at every sound, before finally falling asleep.
5. A Sudden Awakening: The narrator is awakened by a heavy body falling on top of him and a burning liquid being poured on his face.
6. Panic and Confusion: The narrator feels suffocated, stretches out his hand, and hits the face of the person on top of him, receiving a hail of cuffings in return.
7. Escape into the Corridor: The narrator jumps out of bed and rushes into the corridor in his nightshirt.
8. The Morning After: The narrator finds it is broad daylight, and his friends are hurrying into the apartment.
9. The Valet’s Mishap: The narrator and his friends find the valet, who was bringing the narrator his morning tea, sprawled over the improvised bed, having tripped and spilled the tea.
10. The Joke Backfires: The narrator realizes that his precautions have led to the very interlude he was trying to avoid, and his friends laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

Literary Devices in “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“a sideboard laden with plates and dishes”	Reference to a common object to create a vivid image.
Amplification	“excessive mirth”, “far too great”	Emphasizing a point by repeating or strengthening it.
Anaphora	“I did not want to be caught. Ah! certainly not! certainly not!”	Repetition of a phrase or word at the beginning of successive clauses.
Assumption	“They must be looking out in their own minds for some good bit of fun.”	The narrator assumes his friends’ intentions without explicit evidence.
Characterization	“My friends were fond of practical joking, as all my friends are.”	Description of a character’s traits or qualities.
Climax	“I was awakened with a start by the fall of a heavy body”	The most intense or critical moment in the story.
Exaggeration	“a princely reception”	Overstatement for emphasis or effect.
Foreshadowing	“I smelled a practical joke in the air”	Hinting at events that will occur later in the story.
Hyperbole	“a double share of amusement”	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
Imagery	“the faces of the servants”, “the ceiling, the hangings, the floor”	Vivid descriptions to create mental images.
Inference	“I thought: ‘Here are people who take a double share of amusement, and apparently without reason.'”	Drawing a conclusion based on evidence or circumstances.
Irony	The narrator’s precautions leading to the very outcome he tried to avoid	A contrast between what is expected and what occurs.
Juxtaposition	“I was watchful, restless. I did not let a word or a meaning or a gesture escape me.”	Placing two or more elements side by side to compare or contrast.
Misdirection	The narrator’s focus on the bed and his friends’ joke, when the real joke comes from the valet	Diverting attention away from the true source of the joke.
Narrative Hook	“One autumn I went to stay for the hunting season with some friends in a chateau in Picardy.”	An opening that grabs the reader’s attention.
Onomatopoeia	“a dreadful noise, as if a sideboard laden with plates and dishes had fallen down”	Words imitating the sounds they describe.
Paranoia	The narrator’s suspicion and mistrust of his friends	Excessive or irrational suspicion or mistrust.
Personification	“the bed was particularly suspicious-looking”	Attributing human qualities or characteristics to non-human entities.
Suspense	The narrator’s wait for the joke to unfold	A feeling of tension or anticipation.
Understatement	“I was ridiculous”	Downplaying the significance or seriousness of something.

Characterization in “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

Major Character: Narrator

• The narrator is depicted as cautious, suspicious, and easily startled. He is aware of his friends’ penchant for practical jokes and is constantly on guard against becoming the victim.
• Example: “I said to myself: ‘Look out, old ferret! They have something in preparation for you.'”

Minor Characters: Friends

• The friends of the narrator are described as fond of practical joking and eager to orchestrate elaborate pranks.
• Example: “My friends were fond of practical joking, as all my friends are.”

Minor Character: Servants

• The servants in the chateau are mentioned briefly but contribute to the atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia.
• Example: “I even looked distrustfully at the faces of the servants.”

Minor Character: Valet

• The valet plays a crucial role in the practical joke orchestrated by the narrator’s friends, though unwittingly. He becomes the unexpected perpetrator of the final prank.
• Example: “we found, sprawling over my improvised bed, the dismayed valet, who, while bringing me my morning cup of tea, had tripped over this obstacle in the middle of the floor, and fallen on his stomach, spilling, in spite of himself, my breakfast over my face.”

Major Themes in “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

• Theme 1: Paranoia and Suspicion
• The story highlights the dangers of unchecked paranoia and suspicion. The narrator’s assumption that his friends are plotting a practical joke on him leads him to take extreme precautions, which ultimately lead to the very outcome he tried to avoid. His suspicion and mistrust are so intense that he becomes convinced that even the servants are in on the joke, demonstrating how paranoia can lead to a distorted perception of reality. For example, when the narrator hears laughter and whispering in the corridor, he immediately assumes it’s his friends spying on him, rather than considering alternative explanations.
• Theme 2: The Power of Assumptions
• The story showcases how assumptions can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstanding. The narrator assumes his friends’ intentions and takes action based on those assumptions, without ever confirming them. This highlights how assumptions can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where our beliefs shape our experiences. For instance, the narrator assumes the bed is suspicious and takes drastic measures to avoid a potential joke, which ultimately leads to the valet’s accident and the very outcome he feared.
• Theme 3: The Unreliability of Perception
• The story demonstrates how our perceptions can be unreliable and influenced by our biases and assumptions. The narrator’s perception of the situation is skewed by his paranoia and suspicion, leading him to misinterpret innocent events and behaviors. For example, when the valet enters the room with the tea, the narrator assumes it’s part of the joke, rather than a genuine attempt to serve him. This highlights how our perceptions can be distorted by our preconceptions and assumptions.
• Theme 4: The Consequences of Overthinking
• The story illustrates the consequences of overthinking and overanalyzing situations. The narrator’s excessive caution and preparation lead to a series of events that ultimately result in the very outcome he tried to avoid. This highlights how overthinking can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where our excessive caution and preparation create the very problems we’re trying to avoid. For instance, if the narrator had simply gone to bed without taking extreme precautions, the valet’s accident might not have occurred.

Writing Style in “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

• Conversational tone: Maupassant uses a conversational tone to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the narrator’s thoughts and feelings.
• Example: “I do not care to know any other sort of people. I said to myself: ‘Look out, old ferret! They have something in preparation for you.'”
• Irony and sarcasm: Maupassant employs irony and sarcasm to highlight the narrator’s paranoia and the absurdity of the situation.
• Example: “Ah! certainly not! certainly not! Then I suddenly bethought myself of a precaution which I consider one of extreme efficacy…”
• Vivid imagery: Maupassant uses vivid imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and tension, drawing the reader into the narrator’s world.
• Example: “I heard laughter and whispering in the corridor. Without doubt they were spying on me. I cast a glance around the walls, the furniture, the ceiling, the hangings, the floor.”
• Stream-of-consciousness: Maupassant employs stream-of-consciousness narration to convey the narrator’s thoughts and feelings in real-time, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy.
• Example: “I thought: ‘Here are people who take a double share of amusement, and apparently without reason. They must be looking out in their own minds for some good bit of fun. Assuredly I am to be the victim of the joke. Attention!'”
• Hyperbole and exaggeration: Maupassant uses hyperbole and exaggeration to emphasize the narrator’s paranoia and the absurdity of the situation.
• Example: “a princely reception”, “a double share of amusement”
• Buildup of tension: Maupassant expertly builds tension throughout the story, creating a sense of anticipation and suspense in the reader.
• Example: “I remained awake for at least another hour, starting at the slightest sound. Everything seemed quiet in the chateau. I fell asleep.”
• Unexpected twist: Maupassant uses an unexpected twist at the end of the story to subvert the reader’s expectations and create a sense of surprise and irony.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example	Critique
Psychoanalytic Theory	The story can be interpreted through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, focusing on the narrator’s subconscious fears and anxieties manifesting in his paranoia and distrust.	The narrator’s constant suspicion and fear of being the victim of a practical joke reflect deep-seated anxieties and insecurities.	Critics might argue that while psychoanalytic interpretations can provide insight into characters’ motivations and behaviors, they can also be speculative and subjective, depending heavily on the interpreter’s analysis.
Marxist Theory	A Marxist interpretation might view the story as a commentary on the power dynamics between social classes, with the wealthy friends exerting control and dominance over the narrator, who is portrayed as more vulnerable and subordinate.	The friends’ privileged position allows them to orchestrate elaborate pranks at the expense of the narrator, highlighting their social and economic advantage.	Critics might argue that while Marxist analysis can uncover underlying power structures and inequalities, it may oversimplify the complexities of human relationships and motivations depicted in the story.
Reader-Response Theory	From a reader-response perspective, the story’s meaning is constructed through the reader’s interaction with the text, with each reader bringing their own interpretations and experiences to the narrative.	Different readers may empathize with the narrator’s paranoia and fear, while others may find humor in the absurdity of the situation.	Critics might argue that reader-response theory can be overly subjective, as interpretations can vary widely among readers and may not always align with the author’s intent or thematic elements.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Paranoia and Suspicion	How does the narrator’s paranoia and suspicion lead to his downfall?	“Through his excessive caution and assumption of his friends’ intentions, the narrator in ‘An Uncomfortable Bed’ ultimately becomes the architect of his own misfortune, highlighting the dangers of unchecked paranoia and suspicion.”
The Power of Assumptions	What role do assumptions play in shaping the narrator’s experience?	“In ‘An Uncomfortable Bed’, Maupassant demonstrates how assumptions can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstanding, as the narrator’s unfounded assumptions about his friends’ intentions lead to a series of events that ultimately result in the very outcome he feared.”
The Unreliability of Perception	How does the story highlight the unreliability of human perception?	“Through the narrator’s distorted perceptions and misinterpretations, ‘An Uncomfortable Bed’ illustrates the unreliability of human perception, demonstrating how our biases and assumptions can shape our understanding of reality.”
Irony and the Human Condition	What commentary does the story offer on the human condition through its use of irony?	“In ‘An Uncomfortable Bed’, Maupassant employs irony to highlight the absurdity and foolishness of human behavior, particularly in regards to our tendency towards paranoia and assumption, ultimately commenting on the human condition and our propensity for self-fulfilling prophecies.”

Short Questions/Answers about/on “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

1. What is the central theme of “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant? The central theme of “An Uncomfortable Bed” revolves around paranoia and the fear of being the victim of a practical joke. The narrator’s constant suspicion and anxiety underscore the theme of mistrust and the unpredictability of human interactions. For instance, the narrator’s apprehensive demeanor and meticulous precautions, such as inspecting the room and relocating the bed, highlight his fear of becoming the target of his friends’ amusement.
2. How does Guy de Maupassant create tension in “An Uncomfortable Bed”? Guy de Maupassant employs suspenseful elements to create tension throughout the story. The narrator’s heightened awareness and anticipation of a practical joke contribute to the atmosphere of unease and foreboding. Maupassant builds suspense through the narrator’s meticulous inspection of the room, his heightened senses, and the gradual revelation of the prank. For example, the narrator’s fear escalates as he imagines various scenarios of potential harm, keeping readers on edge until the climax of the story.
3. What role do the narrator’s friends play in “An Uncomfortable Bed”? The narrator’s friends serve as instigators and orchestrators of the practical joke at his expense. Their fondness for practical joking sets the stage for the escalating tension and paranoia experienced by the narrator. Throughout the story, the friends’ covert laughter and exaggerated behavior contribute to the sense of impending mischief. Their involvement in the prank reflects their enjoyment of manipulation and amusement at the narrator’s expense.
4. How does the story “An Uncomfortable Bed” conclude? “An Uncomfortable Bed” concludes with a revelation that subverts the narrator’s expectations and resolves the tension. The final prank is revealed to be an unintended consequence of the valet’s clumsiness rather than a deliberate scheme by the narrator’s friends. The narrative ends with laughter and relief as the true nature of the situation is unveiled, highlighting the absurdity of the narrator’s fears and the humorous misunderstanding that ensues.

Literary Works Similar to “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

1. “The Open Window” by Saki (H.H. Munro): This story revolves around a young woman who spins a tale to a visitor about her aunt’s tragic history, only to reveal a shocking twist at the end. Like “An Uncomfortable Bed,” it features elements of deception, manipulation, and an unexpected conclusion.
2. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: This classic tale follows an unnamed narrator who insists on their sanity while recounting their meticulous murder of an old man with a “vulture eye.” The story explores themes of paranoia, guilt, and the unreliability of the narrator’s perspective, similar to the tension and suspicion in Maupassant’s story.
3. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: In this chilling narrative, a small town participates in an annual ritual where one person is selected by lottery to be stoned to death. Like “An Uncomfortable Bed,” it builds tension through a sense of impending doom and features a shocking revelation about human nature.
4. “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl: This story follows a young traveler who stays at a seemingly quaint bed and breakfast, only to discover a sinister secret about the landlady. It shares themes of deception, manipulation, and unexpected twists, similar to the narrative structure of Maupassant’s story.
5. “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs: This classic horror story revolves around a magical talisman that grants its owner three wishes, with disastrous consequences. Like “An Uncomfortable Bed,” it explores themes of superstition, paranoia, and the unforeseen consequences of human desires.

Suggested Readings about/on “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

• Maupassant, Guy de. “An Uncomfortable Bed.” The Complete Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant, edited by Michael Leverson Meyer, Stone & Kimball, 1903.
• De Maupassant, Guy. Collected Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant: The Necklace+ The Piece of String+ Boule de Suif+ Mademoiselle Fifi+ Pierrot+ Two Friends+ La Maison Tellier+ Ghosts and much more. Good Press, 2024.
• Stivale, Charles J. The art of rupture: narrative desire and duplicity in the tales of Guy de Maupassant. University of Michigan Press, 1994.
• MacNamara, Matthew. “A Critical Stage in the Evolution of Maupassant’s Story-Telling.” The Modern Language Review (1976): 294-303.

Representative Quotations from “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“During the dinner, the mirth was excessive, far too great, in fact.”	This quotation highlights the atmosphere of exaggerated amusement and anticipation preceding the practical joke orchestrated by the narrator’s friends.	Sociological Perspective – Reflects social dynamics and the group’s collective behavior, suggesting the influence of social norms and expectations.
“I must have been in a deep sleep for a long time, but all of a sudden, I was awakened with a start…”	This quotation marks the climax of the story, where the narrator experiences the culmination of his fears as the practical joke is executed.	Psychoanalytic Perspective – Represents the eruption of the unconscious fears and anxieties into the conscious mind, triggering a moment of intense terror.
“I felt myself suffocating under the weight that was crushing me and preventing me from moving.”	This quotation captures the physical sensation of panic and helplessness experienced by the narrator during the climax of the story.	Psychological Perspective – Illustrates the visceral response to fear and danger, highlighting the physiological effects of stress on the body.
“The precautions I had taken…had only brought about the interlude I had been striving to avoid.”	This quotation reflects the irony of the narrator’s actions, as his attempts to prevent the practical joke inadvertently lead to its execution.	Structuralist Perspective – Demonstrates the interplay between cause and effect, revealing the underlying structure and patterns in the narrative.
“Ah! how they all laughed that day!”	This quotation concludes the story with a sense of relief and humor as the true nature of the situation is revealed, bringing closure to the narrative.	Reader-Response Perspective – Emphasizes the role of the reader’s interpretation and emotional response in shaping the meaning and impact of the story.