Setting?

The setting of the story is rather vague. There are no concrete references which could help us to define a particular period of history. Though, taking into consideration that all Maupassant's stories describe the 19th century French life, "The Family" can be attributed to this period either. The thing which can prove this fact is a good characterization a wife of the narrator's friend, Simon. The narrator describes her as "a mother, a stout, commonplace mother, a human breeding machine which procreates without any other preoccupation but her children and her cook-book." So it was in the 19th century and earlier , when the main task of any wife was to bring up children,to take care of them and old ill people and also to cook food.
The only thing I can say with solid sureness is that the events are happening in a small province where the narrator's friend lives with his family.
 These slight  features of setting are very important, because they create true-to-life atmosphere of that period for a reader to be penetrated with.

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893), French author of the naturalistic school who is generally considered to be  the greatest French short story writer.

He is famous for his short stories, which paint a fascinating picture of French life in the 19th century.  Many of them are set during the Franco-Prussian War of the 1870s and several describe the futility of war and the innocent civilians who, caught in the conflict, emerge changed.  Maupassant's stories are characterized by their economy of style and efficient, effortless dénouement.  

The story has its own spark!

 Frankly speaking, before reading the story, I thought that the main point of attention would be concentrated on the life of some married couple.  As you can guess, my expectations about the plot and events  haven't  proved to be correct.  But it hasn't made me upset! Vice versa, it was really exciting for me to read  what  I didn't expect to find out!
Who makes the story more interesting, colourful and grotesque at the same time is an old man , a grandfather, whose way of life and state of health can say us a lot about our own lives before death. This character changes a commonplace and plain story into the one, filled with philosophical meaning. Therefore, after reading "The Family" , I've understood, that this story is worth not only reading, but analyzing either. 

this's really cool!

      As for me it was not difficult to cope with creating this blog. Everything was explained and presented in a clear and easily understood way.       Also, I'm pleased to have another possibility to communicate with friends, discussing various works of literature and appreciating their ideas and thoughts !

The right choice :)

Ladies and gentlemen!

At this moment you have a chance to witness the  first steps of creating, developing and improving  my first  project! 

For me it has taken a long time choosing a certain story for  the analysis. But, now I strongly believe that my decision is worth even admiring, because the story, I have chosen, is  a masterpiece!

 So, my blog is dedicated to one of those wonderful stories, written by Guy de Maupassant. Тhe title of it  is "The Family". 

So plain and simple title...but what a deep sense it conveys!