Two Friends

SHORT STORY by Guy de Maupassant

Build Background
Literary Context “Two Friends” is the story of two men trying to lead
Use Reading Skills
normal lives in Paris while their country is at war and their city is under Sequence of Events
DIRECTED READING

siege. The selection is an example of a literary style called Naturalism, Sequence refers to the order in
which was popular in the early twentieth century. Naturalists saw actions which things happen. As you read
and events as resulting inevitably from biological or environmental forces “Two Friends,” take notes on the
rather than from free will. Closely observed details, a lack of emotion, key events in the story. An effective
and accurate historical background are three characteristics that mark way to organize this information
the work of Maupassant and other Naturalist writers. Watch for these is by creating a Sequence Map. A
characteristics as you read. Sequence Map uses pictures and
captions to record key events. Each
Reader’s Context When have you taken a risk to do something that picture is in a box connected by
you truly wanted to do? Was the risk worth it? arrows to show sequence.

Analyze Literature: Mood and Irony

Mood, or the emotion created in the reader by part or all of a literary
work, is often closely tied to a story’s setting. In “Two Friends,” details
of the setting, such as the time of year, the conditions under which the
characters live, and the landscape affect the mood.
Maupassant was known for his use of irony, or the difference between Two friends
appearance and reality. Dramatic irony occurs when something is known go fishing in
by the reader or audience but unknown to the characters; verbal irony a war zone.
occurs when a character says one thing but means another; and irony
of situation occurs when an event violates the expectations of the
characters, the reader, or the audience. Preview Vocabulary
Use the context clues in the sentences
Set Purpose below to figure out the meanings of the
Read the Build Background section above. As you read “Two Friends,” underlined words from the selection. Then
determine why the story is a good example of Naturalism. Consider how confirm the words’ meanings by referring
Maupassant’s use of mood and irony are related to the Naturalist style. to the Glossary of Vocabulary Words on
page R9.
1. Carla was fanatical about the roller
coaster; she rode it at least twenty
Meet the Author times.
Guy de Maupassant (1850–1893) was 2. After he returned from the war, Byron
born in Normandy, France. After joining became pensive and lost in thought.
the French army and fighting in the Franco- 3. Jamal was about to indulge in a pint of
Prussian War, Maupassant moved to Paris, ice cream when he remembered that he
where he met many writers and began to write was trying to lose weight for wrestling.
4. After a five-mile hike in the scorching
himself. Maupassant was greatly influenced by sun, the hikers found respite in the cool
Naturalism. Rejecting Romanticism, which valued emotion lake.
and the imagination over reason, Naturalist writers sought to 5. Gina was unperturbed by her friends’
portray human beings and the society in which they lived as teasing; she liked Tony so much that
truthfully as possible. Maupassant wrote six novels and more her friends’ opinions didn’t matter.
than three hundred short stories. He is widely considered to
be the greatest French writer of short stories.
80 UNIT 1 CHOICES

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 80 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 Two
Friends A Short Story by
Guy de Maupassant

The Marshes of Arleux, 1871. Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.

“It’s too bad for you that you’ve

fallen into my hands. But war is war.”

1
P aris was under siege,1 in the grip of famine,
at its last gasp. There were few sparrows
on the rooftops now, and even the sewers were 3
Sauvage, whom he had got to know on fishing
expeditions.
Every Sunday before the war it was
losing some of their inhabitants. The fact is that Morissot’s custom to set off at the crack of dawn
people were eating anything they could get their with his bamboo rod in his hand and a tin
hands on. box slung over his back. He would catch the
2 One bright January morning Monsieur Argenteuil train and get off at Colombes, from
Morissot was strolling dejectedly along one of where he would walk to the island of Marante.
the outer boulevards, with an empty stomach The minute he reached this land of his dreams
and his hands in the pockets of his old army he would start to fish—and he would go on
trousers. He was a watchmaker by trade and a fishing till it got dark.
man who liked to make the most of his leisure.
Suddenly, he came upon one of his close
friends, and he stopped short. It was Monsieur 1. siege. Cutoff of supplies by an enemy military force

Two Friends 81

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 81 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 Parisians waiting in line for food during the siege.

4 And it was here, every Sunday, that he met 5 There were some days when they hardly
a tubby, jolly little man by the name of Sauvage. spoke to each other. On other occasions they
He was a haberdasher2 from the Rue Notre- would chat all the time. But they understood
Dame-de-Lorette, and as fanatical an angler3 as
2. haberdasher. Seller of clothing, usually men’s
Morissot himself. They often spent half the day
3. angler. Person who fishes
sitting side by side, rod in hand, with their feet
dangling over the water. And they had become
fa • nat • ic • al (f@ na> ti k@l) adj., interested to the point of
firm friends. obsession

82 UNIT 1 CHOICES

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 82 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 each other perfectly without 14 “It’s better than walking down the
needing to exchange any boulevards, eh?”
words, because their tastes 15 As soon as the two friends had recognized
were so alike and their each other, they shook hands warmly, feeling
feelings identical. quite emotional over the fact that they had
6 On spring mornings at come across each other in such different
about ten o’clock, when the circumstances. Monsieur Sauvage gave a sigh
rejuvenated sun sent floating and remarked:
over the river that light mist 16 “What a lot has happened since we last met!”
which moves along with 17 Morissot, in mournful tones, lamented:
the current, warming the 18 “And what awful weather we’ve been having!
backs of the two enthusiastic This is the first fine day of the year.”
fishermen with the welcome 19 And, indeed, the sky was a cloudless blue,
glow of a new season, brilliant with light.
Morissot would say to his 20 They started to walk on together side by
neighbor: side, pensive and melancholy. Then Morissot
7 “Ah! It’s grand here, said:
isn’t it?” 21 “And what about those fishing trips, eh?
8 And Monsieur Sauvage There’s something worth remembering!”
would reply: 22 “When shall we be able to get back to it?”
9 “There’s nothing I like mused Monsieur Sauvage.
better.” 23 They went into a little café and drank a glass
10 This simple exchange of absinthe.4 Then they resumed their stroll
of words was all that along the boulevards.
was needed for them to 24 Morissot suddenly stopped and said:
understand each other 25 “What about another glass of the green stuff,
and confirm their mutual eh?”
appreciation. 26 “Just as you wish,” consented Monsieur
11 In the autumn towards Sauvage, and they went into a second bar.
the close of day, when the sky 27 When they came out they both felt very
was blood-red and the water fuzzy, as people do when they drink alcohol on
reflected strange shapes of an empty stomach. The weather was very mild.
scarlet clouds which reddened A gentle breeze caressed their faces.
the whole river, and the 28 Monsieur Sauvage, who felt even more
glowing sun set the distant fuddled5 in this warm air, stopped and said:
horizon ablaze, making the 29 “What about it, then? Shall we go?”
two friends look as though they were on fire, 30 “Go where?”
and touching with gold the russet leaves which 31 “Fishing!”
were already trembling with a wintry shudder,
Monsieur Sauvage would turn to Morissot with a
4. absinthe. Green, licorice-flavored alcoholic beverage
smile and say: 5. fuddled. Confused
12 “What a marvelous sight!”
13 And Morissot, equally taken up with the re • ju • ve • nat • ed (ri j2> v@ n6t< @d) adj., renewed; made
wonder of it all, but not taking his eyes off his young again
float, would answer: pen • sive (pen[t]> siv) adj., thoughtful

Two Friends 83

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 83 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 HISTORY CONNECTION
The Franco-Prussian War In the mid-1800s, many
small countries united into an increasingly large
Prussia, which would eventually become Germany. As
Prussia grew in power and influence, Napoleon, the
emperor of neighboring France, grew nervous. In July
1870, Napoleon declared war on Prussia, and the
Franco-Prussian War began. By September, the German
troops had captured Napoleon and won several crucial
victories. They then surrounded the French capital, Paris,
hoping to starve and frighten the citizens into surrender.
“Two Friends” is set in the period during which Paris was
under siege.

32 “But where can we go?” 41 “The Prussians are up there.”

33 “To our island, of course. The French 42 And as the two friends gazed at the deserted
frontline is near Colombes. I know the colonel countryside, they felt almost paralyzed by the
in command—fellow called Dumoulin. I’m sure sense of uneasiness which was creeping through
we’d have no trouble in getting through.” them.
34 Morrisot began to quiver with excitement. 43 The Prussians! They had never so much
35 “Right!” he said. “I’m your man!” as set eyes on them, but for four months now
36 And the two friends separated and went off they had been aware of their presence on the
to get their fishing tackle. outskirts of Paris, occupying part of France,
37 An hour later they were striding down the looting, committing atrocities, reducing people
main road together. They reached the villa in to starvation…the invisible yet all-powerful
which the colonel had set up his headquarters. Prussians. As they thought of them, a kind of
When he heard their request, he smiled at their superstitious dread was added to their natural
eccentric enthusiasm but gave them permission. hatred for this unknown, victorious race.
They set off once again, armed with an official 44 “What if we should happen to run into some
pass. of them?” said Morissot nervously.
38 They soon crossed the frontline, then went 45 Monsieur Sauvage gave the sort of reply
through Colombes, which had been evacuated, which showed that cheerful Parisian banter
and now found themselves on the fringe of the survived in spite of everything.
area of vineyards which rise in terraces6 above 46 “Oh, we’ll just offer them some nice fish to
the Seine. It was about eleven o’clock. fry!”
39 On the opposite bank they could see the 47 Even so, they were so worried by the
village of Argenteuil, which looked deserted silence of the surrounding countryside that they
and dead. The hills of Orgemont and Sannois hesitated about going any further.
dominated the horizon, and the great plain
which stretches as far as Nanterre was empty,
completely empty, with nothing to be seen but 6. terraces. Flat areas formed on a slope and used to grow plants
its leafless cherry trees and gray earth.
40 Pointing towards the high ground Monsieur a • troc • i • ty (@ tr5> s@ t7) n., cruel, horrible act
Sauvage muttered:

84 UNIT 1 CHOICES

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 84 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 the hook. This really was a miraculous draft
And as the two friends of fishes.
56 They carefully placed each fish into a fine-
gazed at the deserted meshed net which was suspended in the water
at their feet. And as they did so they were
countryside, they felt overcome by a delightful sense of joy, the kind
of joy you only experience when you resume
almost paralyzed something you really love after being deprived of
it for a long time.
by the sense of 57 A kindly sun was shedding its warmth
across their backs. They were so absorbed that
uneasiness which was they no longer heard, or thought, or paid the
least attention to the outside world. What did
creeping through them. anything matter now? They were fishing!
58 But suddenly, the bank beneath them shook
with a dull rumble which seemed to come from
48 It was Monsieur Sauvage who finally made underground.
up his mind. 59 The distant cannons were starting to fire
49 “Come on!” he said. “We’ll go on—but we again.
must keep a sharp lookout!” 60 Morissot turned his head, and above the
50 And they scrambled down the slope of one bank, over to the left, he saw the great bulk
of the vineyards, bent double, crawling on their of Mont Valérien. On the mountainside was
hands and knees, taking advantage of the cover a white plume of smoke, showing where the
afforded by the vines, keeping their eyes wide gunpowder had just bellowed out.
open and their ears on the alert. 61 Almost immediately another jet of smoke
51 All that now separated them from the spurted from the fort on the summit, and a few
riverbank was a strip of open ground. They ran seconds later the rumble of another detonation
across it, and as soon as they reached the river, reached their ears.
they crouched amongst the dry rushes. 62 Other cannon shots followed, and every
52 Morissot pressed his ear to the ground to now and then the mountain spat out its deadly
see if he could detect the sound of marching breath, exhaled its clouds of milky vapor, which
feet. He could hear nothing. They were alone, rose slowly into the calm sky above.
completely alone. 63 “There they go again!” said Monsieur
53 They told each other there was nothing to Sauvage with a shrug of his shoulders.
worry about, and started to fish. 64 Morissot, who was anxiously watching the
54 Opposite them the deserted island of feather on his float as it bobbed up and down,
Marante concealed them from the other bank. was suddenly filled with the anger of a peace-
The little building which once housed the loving man for these maniacs who indulge in
restaurant was closed and shuttered, and looked fighting.
as though it had been abandoned for years. 65 “They’ve got to be really stupid,” he growled,
55 It was Monsieur Sauvage who caught the “to go on killing each other like that!”
first fish—a gudgeon. Morissot caught the 66 “They’re worse than animals,” said Monsieur
second, and then, almost without a pause, Sauvage.
they jerked up their rods time after time to
find a little silvery creature wriggling away on in • dulge (in dulj>) v., take pleasure freely

Two Friends 85

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 85 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 But at that moment they
74
both gave a start, scared by
the feeling that somebody
had been walking just
behind them. They looked
round and saw standing
above them four men, four
tall, bearded men, armed
to the teeth, dressed like
liveried9 footmen, with
flat military caps on their
heads—and rifles which
they were pointing straight
at the two friends.
75 The fishing rods
dropped from their hands
and went floating down the
river.
67 Morissot, who had just caught another fish, 76 In a matter of seconds they were seized,
called out: tied up, hustled along, thrown into a boat and
68 “And it’ll never be any different so long as carried across to the island.
we have governments!” 77 Behind the building which they had thought
69 “Oh, no,” disagreed Monsieur Sauvage. “The deserted they saw a group of about twenty
Republic7 would never have declared war…” German soldiers.
70 “Look!” interrupted Morissot. “Under kings 78 A sort of hairy giant who was sitting astride
you have war against other countries. Under a chair and smoking a large clay pipe asked
republican governments you have civil war.” them in excellent French:
71 And they began to argue, in a calm and 79 “Well, messieurs, did the fishing go well?”
friendly way, sorting out all the world’s great 80 One of the soldiers placed at the officer’s feet
political problems with the commonsense the net full of fish which he had been careful to
approach of mild and reasonable men. On bring along. The Prussian smiled and said:
one point they were in absolute agreement: 81 “Well, well! I can see you didn’t do badly
mankind would never be free. And as they at all!… But I have to deal with a very different
talked, Mont Valérien went thundering on matter. Now, listen to me carefully, and don’t get
without respite, demolishing French homes alarmed… As far as I am concerned you are a
with its cannonades,8 pounding lives to dust, couple of spies sent out here to keep an eye on
crushing human beings to pulp, putting an end me. I’ve caught you and I’ve every right to shoot
to so many dreams, to so many long-awaited you. You were obviously pretending to fish as
joys, so much long-expected happiness, tearing
into the hearts of all those wives and daughters 7. The Republic. Representative government that ruled France from
and mothers with pain and suffering that would 1848 to 1852, before Napoleon’s rise to power
never be eased. 8. cannonades. Constant shooting of cannons
72 “Such is life,” said Monsieur Sauvage. 9. liveried. In uniform
73 “Better to call it death,” laughed Morissot.
res • pite (res> p@t) n., rest or temporary relief

86 UNIT 1 CHOICES

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 86 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 a cover for your real purposes. It’s too bad for 94 Monsieur Sauvage said nothing.
you that you’ve fallen into my hands. But war is 95 So they were pushed together again, side by
war…Now, since you’ve come out here past your side.
own lines, you’re bound to have a password so 96 It was then that Morissot happened to
you can get back. Just give me that password glance down at the net full of gudgeon which
and I’ll spare your lives.” was lying in the grass a few yards away.
82 The two friends, ghastly pale, stood there 97 A ray of sunlight fell on the heap of
side by side with their hands trembling. They glittering fish, which were still quivering with
said nothing. life. As he looked at them he felt a momentary
83 “Nobody will ever get to know about it,” weakness. In spite of his efforts to hold them
continued the officer. “You will go back without back, tears filled his eyes.
any trouble, and the secret will go with you… 98 “Farewell, Monsieur Sauvage,” he mumbled.
If you refuse to cooperate, you’ll die—straight 99 And Monsieur Sauvage replied:
away. So take your choice!” 100 “Farewell, Monsieur Morissot.”
84 They stood there motionless, keeping their 101 They shook hands, trembling uncontrollably
mouths firmly shut. from head to foot.
85 The Prussian, who was still quite calm, 102 “Fire!” shouted the officer.
pointed in the direction of the river and said: 103 Twelve shots rang out simultaneously.
86 “Just think! In five minutes you’ll be at the 104 Monsieur Sauvage fell like a log onto his
bottom of that river. In five minutes! You must face. Morissot, who was taller, swayed, spun
have families. Think of them!” round, then collapsed on top of his friend, with
87 The rumbling of the cannon was still his face staring up at the sky and the blood
coming from Mont Valérien. welling from where his coat had been burst
88 The two fishermen simply stood there, open across his chest.
refusing to speak. The German now gave some 105 The German shouted out more orders. His
orders in his own language. Then he moved his men went off and came back with some lengths
chair some distance away from the prisoners. of rope and a few heavy stones which they
Twelve men marched up and formed a line fastened to the feet of the two bodies. Then they
twenty yards from them with their rifles at their carried them to the riverbank.
sides. 106 All the time Mont Valérien continued to
89 “I’ll give you one minute to make up your rumble, and now it was capped by a great
minds,” called the officer. “And not two seconds mountain of smoke.
more.” 107 Two soldiers got hold of Morissot by the
90 Then he jumped to his feet, went up to the head and feet. Two others lifted up Monsieur
two Frenchmen, took Morissot by the arm, and Sauvage in the same way. The two bodies were
led him to one side. Then he said to him in a swung violently backwards and forwards, then
very low voice: thrown with great force. They curved through
91 “Quick! Just let me have that password! Your the air, then plunged upright into the river, with
friend won’t know you’ve told me. I’ll make it the stones dragging them down, feet first.
look as though I’ve taken pity on you both.” 108 The water spurted up, bubbled, swirled
92 Morissot said nothing. round, then grew calm again, with little waves
93 The Prussian then dragged Monsieur rippling across to break against the bank. There
Sauvage to one side and made the same was just a small amount of blood discoloring the
proposition to him. surface.

Two Friends 87

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 87 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 109 The officer, still quite unperturbed, said, half to him the catch made by the two executed
aloud: fishermen, and gave another order:
110 “Well, now it’s the fishes’ turn.” 114 “Fry me these little creatures—straight away,
111 As he was going back towards the building, while they’re still alive. They’ll be delicious!”
he noticed the net full of gudgeon lying in the 115 Then he lit his pipe again. v
grass. He picked it up, looked at the fish, then
smiled, and called out:
112 “Wilhelm!”
113 A soldier came running up. He was wearing
un • per • turbed (un p@r t3rb?d>) adj., not bothered
a white apron. The Prussian officer threw across

Mirrors & If you had been living in Paris during the siege, as Morissot and Sauvage were, what would you
have done? Why do you think people would be willing to risk their lives for a simple activity,
Windows like fishing?

REFER TO TEXT REASON WITH TEXT

1a. Recall what Monsieur Sauvage says he 1b. Explain why the officer’s last line is ironic. Understand
and Morissot will do if they meet some Find meaning
Prussians.
2a. Describe how the two men felt once 2b. Generalize about appreciating what you Apply
they finally started fishing again. have based on the experience of these Use information
two men.
3a. Locate three passages in the story that 3b. Analyze why these two men were such Analyze
show what kind of friendship Morissot good friends. Take things apart
and Sauvage have.
4a. State the consequences the officer 4b. Consider what you would have done had Evaluate
gives for giving and not giving the you been captured and questioned about Make judgments
password. the password. Defend your response.
5a. According to the first paragraph, what 5b. How does the friendship of the two Create
is Paris like? men contrast with the setting and Bring ideas
action of the story? Explain what point together
Maupassant might have been trying
to make about individual lives versus
external forces.

Analyze Literature: Mood and Irony

The story contains several images of beauty. What mood is created by these images? How does this mood contrast
with the one created by the conditions under which the characters live? What is happening on Mont Valérien as the
characters seek relief from stress in its shadow? Why is this ironic?

88 UNIT 1 CHOICES

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 88 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 EXTEND THE TEXT

Writing Options Lifelong Learning

Creative Writing Imagine an additional scene at the Present on Naturalism Naturalists believe that events
end of the story, in which the officer is enjoying his fish result inevitably from biological or environmental forces
dinner with a few of his men. What do they discuss? rather than from free will. Research Naturalism to learn
What is their reaction to what just happened? Write more about this literary movement. Then analyze “Two
a screenplay that continues the story. A screenplay Friends” as an example of Naturalism. For example,
consists of dialogue; for ideas on how to write dialogue, consider whether Morissot and Sauvage were victims
see how Guy de Maupassant does it in the story. A of uncontrollable forces, or whether they exercised bad
screenplay also contains stage directions, or directions judgment in crossing the front line. Prepare a brief
on the actions characters should take (for example, presentation that explains what Naturalism is and how
“Officer sits down.”) and the way the characters should “Two Friends” fits or does not fit the mold.
say their lines. Try to include all these elements in your
screenplay. Media Literacy
Create a Flier Imagine you are a friend of Morissot
Argumentative Writing Was it wise for the two or Sauvage. Create a flier to advertise that your
friends in the story to go fishing during a war? Should friend is missing. Review the story for details about
they have just stayed home? Write a five-paragraph the character and use your imagination to draw the
argumentative essay in which you take a position character’s face and provide a written description of
on whether or not the two friends were foolish to go his physical appearance and habits, the date and time
fishing. In your first paragraph, introduce the title and of his disappearance, and information for contacting
author of the story and state your position. Use the next authorities.
three paragraphs to argue three points in support of
your position. Use evidence from the story to support
your ideas. Also use these paragraphs to refute any
arguments someone might take against your position. In
the fifth paragraph, restate your position as part of your
conclusion.
READING ASSESSMENT

SHORT STORY Everyday Use

Two Friends 89

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 89 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 Grammar & Style Sentence Variety

Understand the Concept A compound-complex sentence has two or more

By varying the type of sentence you use in independent clauses and one or more subordinate
your writing, you can make it more interesting. clauses.
Combining and expanding sentences can connect EXAMPLE
related ideas, make sentences longer and smoother, While the men were fishing [subordinate clause],
and make a paragraph more interesting to read. the Prussians found them [independent clause],
A simple sentence consists of one independent and [coordinating conjunction] they were taken
clause and no subordinate clauses. A simple prisoner [independent clause].
sentence is called an independent clause because
it has a subject and a predicate. It may have a Another way to vary your sentences is to vary
compound subject, a compound predicate, and any the way you begin them. For example, instead of
number of phrases. starting a sentence with a subject, start with a
modifier, a phrase, or a clause.
EXAMPLE
Monsieur Morissot [subject] loves to fish subject: They fish and talk.
[predicate]. one-word modifier: Frequently, they fish and
talk.
A compound sentence consists of two prepositional phrase: During the siege, they
independent clauses joined by a semicolon or by a could not fish and talk often.
comma and a coordinating conjunction. The most participial phrase: Thinking about fishing,
common coordinating conjunctions are and, or, nor, they devised a daring plan.
for, but, so, and yet. Each part of the compound
subordinate clause: Since they had come so
sentence has its own subject and verb.
far, they decided to fish despite their fears.
EXAMPLE
Monsieur Morissot can’t fish during the war
[independent clause]; [semicolon] he takes walks
instead [independent clause].
What Great Writers Do
Notice the sentence variety
A complex sentence consists of one independent that Guy de Maupassant uses
clause and one or more subordinate clauses. A in this passage from “Two
subordinate clause has a subject and a verb, but it Friends.”
doesn’t express a complete thought. An hour later they were striding
down the main road together.
EXAMPLE They reached the villa in which the colonel
While he was walking [subordinate clause], he had set up his headquarters. When he heard
ran into Monsieur Sauvage [independent clause]. their request, he smiled at their eccentric
enthusiasm but gave them permission. They
set off once again, armed with an official pass.

Review Terms
• subject: the doer of the action • phrase: a group of words that functions as one
• predicate: the part of the sentence that part of speech but does not have both a subject
contains the verb phrase, including the objects, or and a verb
recipients, of the action • independent clause: a complete sentence with
• clause: a group of words that functions as one a subject and a verb
part of speech and that contains both a subject • subordinate clause: a clause that contains
and a verb a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone
because it does not express a complete thought
90 UNIT 1 CHOICES

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 90 3/31/19 1:55 PM

 Apply the Skill Guy de Maupassant’s short story, “Two Friends,”
follows the ill-conceived fishing trip of Monsieur
Identify Sentence Structure
Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage as they decide
For each sentence, identify whether it is simple, to go fishing in the middle of a battle because
compound, complex, or compound-complex. Some of the men are hungry because there is no food to
the sentences are from “Two Friends.” eat in the city because of the Prussian soldiers
1. The men may have been drawn to fish because who have laid siege to Paris. As the battle rages
they enjoyed the activity, but they may also just out of sight, the men contentedly fish in the
have been motivated by hunger. river and remember happier times and discuss
philosophical questions about life and death and
2. Knowing the officer in command, Monsieur
the current situation involving the Prussian siege
Sauvage was able to get a pass.
and talk about days gone by. Unfortunately, they
3. Fearful of the Prussians, the men were unable are caught by the Prussians, who are convinced
to enjoy themselves at first, but once they got that Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage
into the water, they were quite happy. are French spies, and the Prussian captain
4. The weather was very mild. questions the two men and he decides to execute
them right there on the riverbank and then he
5. There were few sparrows on the rooftops now,
takes their fish and has his cook fry up the fish
and even the sewers were losing some of their
for his dinner.
inhabitants.
6. Almost immediately another jet of smoke
Use Varied Sentence Structures in Your
spurted from the fort on the summit, and a few
Writing
seconds later the rumble of another detonation
reached their ears. Write a paragraph about friendship for a teen
magazine. After drafting your paragraph, check
Improve Sentence Variety
for variety in your sentence structure by reading it
Rewrite the following paragraph using a variety aloud. Which type of sentence structure did you use
of sentence structures and beginnings. Choose most often? Do you think that type is appropriate
structures and beginnings that will help the for your audience? As you prepare your final draft,
paragraph flow more smoothly and clearly for the alter your sentence structure as needed for variety
reader. and appropriateness for your audience.
Two friends decide to go fishing. Their names
are Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage.
There is a war going on. Monsieur Morissot asks
what they will do if they meet any Prussians. Extend the Skill
Monsieur Sauvage says, “Oh, we’ll just offer Choose a paragraph from the story “Two Friends.”
them some nice fish to fry!” They do meet some Rewrite the paragraph using only one type of
Prussians. A Prussian officer notices their net sentence. Then do the same thing again using
of fish. He has the two men killed. He asks the another type of sentence. What happens when
cook to fry up the fish for him. you do this? Based on this experiment, write a
paragraph that explains why sentence variety is
Improve a Paragraph
necessary to quality writing.
The following paragraph is full of run-on sentences.
Break up the sentences to form simple, compound,
complex, and compound-complex sentences so that
the paragraph is easier to understand.

GRAMMAR & STYLE 91

0001–0115_MW20_SE10_U1.indd 91 3/31/19 1:55 PM