Presentation of English

BY the members of group D:

1. Parash Joshi
2. Prashanna Khatri
3. Punit Chaudhary
4. Rahul Thakuri
5. Rijen Maharjan
6. Riteen Singh
7. Pratish Thapa
Two Little Soldiers
- by Guy de Maupassant

"Two Little Soldiers" is a poignant short story by Guy de

Maupassant that delves into the themes of innocence,
friendship, and the impact of war on young minds. Set
against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War, the
narrative follows two young boys, Raoul and Jean, who form
an unlikely bond in the midst of conflict. As they navigate the
harsh realities of war, the story explores the loss of
childhood innocence and the profound effects of violence on
the tender psyche of the two little soldiers. Maupassant
skillfully weaves a tale that reflects the tragic consequences
of war on the most vulnerable members of society.
-Guy de Maupassant
Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer renowned for his
masterful short stories and novels that captured the nuances of 19th-
century French society. Born in Normandy, Maupassant initially
pursued a career in law but later devoted himself to literature. His
works often explored the complexities of human nature, delving into
themes such as love, morality, and the consequences of societal norms.
Maupassant's writing style was marked by precision, economy, and a
keen observational prowess. He gained widespread acclaim for his
short stories, including the iconic "The Necklace," showcasing his
ability to craft compelling narratives with ironic twists. Despite a
tragically short life plagued by mental illness, Maupassant left an
enduring legacy as a literary giant, influencing generations of writers
1850-1893 with his insightful portrayals of the human condition.
 Introduction of the text
Two Little Soldiers" is a poignant short story penned by the acclaimed French writer Guy de
Maupassant. Originally published in 1885 as "Deux Amis" in the newspaper Le Gaulois, the narrative
weaves a delicate exploration of the impact of war on the innocence and camaraderie of two young
boys. Against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War, Maupassant skillfully crafts a tale that delves
into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of conflict. The story unfolds with a
tender touch, revealing the emotional and psychological toll war extracts from even the most
unsuspecting souls, as the protagonists navigate the treacherous terrain of adulthood amidst the
tumult of war.

The narrative unfolds in a rural French village, providing a microcosmic view of the broader societal
upheavals caused by war. Through the lens of the two young protagonists, the author invites readers
to reflect on the profound transformation that occurs when the innocence of childhood is confronted
by the brutalities of armed conflict. As the story progresses, the characters face moral dilemmas, the
fragility of life, and the ephemeral nature of their childhood friendship. Maupassant's masterful
storytelling and keen observation of human nature make "Two Little Soldiers" a timeless exploration
of the human condition in the face of war's unforgiving challenges.
 Summary of the story
1)Setting: The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War, and it unfolds in a small French village occupied by
Prussian soldiers.

2)Friendship and Imagination: The narrative centers around two young boys, two little soldiers, who form a
deep friendship despite the prevailing war. They engage in imaginative play, creating their own world of
adventure and escape from the grim reality of the war around them.

3)Tragic Misunderstanding: A tragic turn occurs when the boys find a toy boat with a message and interpret it
as a secret mission, leading them to believe that they must sink the boat to fulfill their duty as soldiers.

4)Unexpected Consequences: The boys carry out their mission with enthusiasm, not realizing the true nature
of the message. The consequences of their innocent actions become apparent when they discover the boat's
purpose, leading to a somber and heart-wrenching realization.

5)Irony and Loss of Innocence: The story highlights the irony of war affecting even the innocent and the loss
of childhood innocence in the face of harsh realities. It explores the tragic consequences of misunderstanding
and the impact of war on the lives of those who are seemingly untouched by the direct conflict.
 Main theme of the story
The main theme of "Two Little Soldiers" by Guy de
Maupassant revolves around the impact of war on innocence
and childhood. The story follows two young boys who, in their
imaginative play, create a miniature battlefield with toy
soldiers. As the narrative unfolds, the harsh reality of war
infiltrates their innocent world, leading to tragic
consequences. Maupassant explores the juxtaposition of the
children's playful innocence with the brutal nature of war,
highlighting the devastating effects conflict can have on the
purity of childhood. The tale serves as a poignant
commentary on the destructive and indiscriminate nature of
war, as seen through the eyes of two unsuspecting and
vulnerable children.
 Main characters
Luke:
Luke is a young boy, likely preadolescent. His age is
not explicitly mentioned, but his innocence and
vulnerability suggest youth. Luke is depicted as
impressionable and easily influenced. He is curious
and adventurous, often following the lead of Jean.
Luke appears to have a strong bond with Jean, and
their friendship is a central element of the story.
He trusts Jean's judgment and looks up to him as a
leader.Luke's character symbolizes the innocence
of childhood. His lack of understanding about the
gravity of war and death serves as a commentary
on the impact of adult conflicts on the younger
generation.
Jean:
Like Luke, Jean is a young boy. His age is not explicitly
stated, but he is likely around the same age as Luke.
The story portrays them as "two little soldiers." Jean is
more assertive and daring compared to Luke. He takes
the initiative in their adventures, and his decisions
often drive the narrative. Jean's character embodies a
premature exposure to the harsh realities of life.Jean
is resourceful in finding ways to navigate their
challenging circumstances. His ability to make
decisions under pressure reflects a certain level of
cunning. Jean's character serves as a commentary on
the impact of war on children. Despite their young
age, both boys are drawn into the conflict, showcasing
how war disrupts the normal course of childhood.
 Setting of the story
"Two Little Soldiers" by Guy de Maupassant is set in a small French village
during the late 19th century. The story takes place in a peaceful and idyllic
countryside setting, where life seems to revolve around the simplicity of
rural existence. The village is described as having quaint houses, narrow
lanes, and a tranquil atmosphere. This setting provides a stark contrast to
the darker themes that unfold in the narrative.

The story's main events occur during a time of peace, yet the underlying
tension and conflict are palpable. The innocence of the setting heightens
the impact of the tragic events that transpire, as it becomes the backdrop
for the tale of two young boys who embark on a seemingly harmless
adventure with unforeseen consequences. The setting serves to emphasize
the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take, even in the most
serene and unassuming environments.
 Connection of the story of life
"Two Little Soldiers" by Guy de Maupassant explores the fragility of life and the impact of war on innocence.
The story revolves around two young boys who form a deep bond amidst the backdrop of war, highlighting
the juxtaposition of childhood innocence against the harsh realities of conflict. The two little soldiers,
typically associated with playfulness and imagination, find themselves caught in the crossfire of adult
conflicts. As the narrative unfolds, the reader witnesses the profound consequences of war on the lives of
these children, emphasizing how the external forces of violence can disrupt the simplicity and purity of their
existence.

Furthermore, the connection between life and "Two Little Soldiers" lies in the exploration of the human
condition and the vulnerability of life in the face of larger societal and political forces. Maupassant skillfully
delves into the psychological and emotional dimensions of existence, portraying how the experiences of war
shape the perspectives and destinies of these two young protagonists. The story serves as a poignant
reminder of the transient nature of life, as seen through the lens of childhood friendships disrupted by the
harsh realities of conflict, offering a profound reflection on the impact of external forces on the essence of
human life.
THANK YOU