Analyzing the Ambiguous Ending of “Was It a Dream?”
The short story “Was It a Dream?” by French author Guy de Maupassant depicts a complex love triangle that ends with an ambiguous scene that leaves readers questioning what was real. The story focuses on a man who is in love with a woman named Angele who is married to another man. One night, the protagonist dreams that he murders Angele’s husband and marries her. However, he wakes up and finds himself lying in bed next to his own wife. This confusing ending leaves readers wondering whether the murder and marriage with Angele actually happened or if it was all just a dream.
Understanding the Story’s Unclear Ending with Was It a Dream Commonlit Answer Key Pdf
Several details in the story hint that the events may have occurred in reality. The protagonist remembers specific conversations with Angele and her husband. His description of shooting the husband is vivid. However, the fact that he wakes up with his wife suggests the experience was fictional. Maupassant intentionally leaves the truth ambiguous.
Analyzing the Protagonist’s Obsession and Psychology
The unclear ending highlights the protagonist’s obsession with Angele and desire to be with her. It also explores the complex nature of dreams versus reality. By leaving the reader as uncertain as the protagonist about which events were real, Maupassant creates an unsettling, thought-provoking story. The mystery around whether the murder actually transpired reveals the protagonist’s questionable morals and unstable psychology.
Ultimately, the ambiguous ending of “Was It a Dream?” sticks with readers and prompts deep analysis. It exemplifies Maupassant’s mastery of psychological realism and interest in the elusive divide between dreams and reality. Examining the story closely allows readers to explore its central themes of desire, morality, and the human psyche.
