Maupassant is a master of the short story, and 'The Useless Beauty' is a perfect example of why. It's concise, devastating, and incredibly smart.

The Story

The Count and Countess de Mascaret appear to have it all: wealth, status, and seven beautiful children. Their life is a picture of aristocratic perfection. But one evening, the Countess shatters this illusion. In a calm, calculated moment, she tells her husband a secret she's held for years: only two of their children are biologically his. She offers no names, no details, and no apology. The story then follows the Count's spiraling obsession as he tries to figure out which children are his, and—more importantly—why his wife chose to wound him with this truth now, after so long. It becomes a battle of wills in a gilded cage.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a story about infidelity. It's about the power of information and the weaponization of truth. The Countess isn't seeking forgiveness or a divorce; she's seeking a kind of brutal, psychological freedom. Maupassant writes her not as a villain, but as a complex woman using the only weapon she has in a society that gives her no real power. You feel for the Count's humiliation, but you also understand the Countess's trapped, silent rage. It's a fascinating, uncomfortable look at a marriage as a cold war.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories that explore the dark corners of human relationships. If you enjoy authors like Chekhov or Henry James, who peel back the polite surface of society to show the messy emotions underneath, you'll love this. It's a quick, brilliant read that proves a short story can be as deep and unsettling as any novel.