Summary for At the Church Door

At the Church Door

-         Guy De Maupassant

Guy De Maupassant is a prolific French Writer. He was influenced by a French writer Flaubert. His short story “At the Church Door” reflects real life and real people. This story is about a worried couple who have lost their son 20yrs before. The theme of this story is parent love for their children.

The story centers around a Wheelwright and his wife. Both are looking for a peaceful and happy life. The only comfort is Jean, their son. Jean was born to them after a long period. Their life gets scattered when they discover their son missing at the age of five.

Unable to bear the loss of their son both gathered all their wealth and went in search of him. They travelled to different places for around twenty years in search of Jean. Hearing to the advice of an innkeeper both travel to the crowded city, Paris.

 They often stood in front of a church door. The Parish priest appoints the Wheel wright at the church door. The Wheelwright stands with hope of meeting his son. One day he meets his son at the church door along with two ladies. He is overcome with tears.

Their tireless work is rewarded when he meets his son, who was adopted by an old lady. They were happy to see their son well dressed and looked happy. Their reunion was tearful and joyful. The story ends happily with the news of their son engaged to be married to a beautiful girl.

The couple in this story represents Everyman who loses faith on God. The son represents the test of their parents faith. The loss of their son awakens a search for the loss of spirituality among human being. Thus this story can be considered an allegory on faith and loss and the regaining of the same by man. 

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