The Little Soldier (Maupassant)

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The Little Soldier

Summary of the Short Story

Microsummary: Two homesick soldiers found solace in their weekly countryside walks, where they befriended a local cowgirl. However, when one soldier secretly pursued a romantic relationship with her, the other soldier drowned himself in despair.

Two small, thin soldiers, Jean Kerderen

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Jean Kerderen — Breton soldier; homesick, gentle, and heartbroken by his comrade's betrayal.

and Luc Le Ganidec

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Luc Le Ganidec — Breton soldier; homesick, gentle, and eventually romantically involved with the cowgirl.

, would go for a walk every Sunday when they were off duty. They would walk down a dusty road to Bezons, reminiscing about their hometown in Brittany. They spoke no word during the whole journey, walking straight on, with the same thought in both their heads, which did instead of conversation.

They spoke no word during the whole journey, walking straight on, with the same thought in both their heads, which did instead of conversation.

One day, they met a tall, bold cowgirl

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The Cowgirl — tall, auburn-haired, and friendly; becomes romantically involved with Luc.

who would pass by them every Sunday on her way to milk her cow. The soldiers and the cowgirl soon became friends, and they would chat and share food with each other. She began eating the little bits of sugar, rolling them from one cheek to the other and forming little swollen lumps under the flesh.

She began eating the little bits of sugar, rolling them from one cheek to the other and forming little swollen lumps under the flesh.

One Wednesday, Luc unexpectedly applied for a pass out of the barracks and did not return until late at night. Jean was puzzled by his friend's behavior. The following Sunday, when the cowgirl approached them, she hugged Luc, completely ignoring Jean. The two then went off together to milk the cow, leaving Jean feeling betrayed and heartbroken. Jean saw nothing but the leafy wall through which they had gone; and he felt so distressed that if he had tried to get up, he would certainly have dropped where he stood.

As they walked back to the barracks, Jean leaned over the railing of a bridge, seemingly fascinated by the water below. Suddenly, he fell into the river and disappeared. Luc tried to call for help, but his voice was choked with emotion. The watermen who came to help could not find Jean's body that day. Luc returned to the barracks alone, distraught and unable to fully explain the tragic accident.