Material detail: the communicative functions of clothing items in depicting characters by Guy de Maupassant

Abstract

The research delves into Guy de Maupassant's narrative technique of character portrayal through the lens of Roland Barthes' concept of “indexes”, focusing particularly on the significance of material details, especially clothing, in his novellas. The primary objective is to elucidate how clothing items serve as communicative tools in shaping characters in Maupassant's works, thereby highlighting their cultural-historical, characterological, and symbolic functions. By analyzing the interplay between characters' physical appearances, gestures, and attire, Maupassant effectively conveys their inner emotions and traits to the reader. Barthes' notion of “indexes”, grounded in concrete elements like outward appearance and clothing, provides a theoretical framework for understanding the thematic distribution of these details, which range from physical attributes to sartorial choices, all of which contribute to character development. Ultimately, it is through such meticulous attention to detail that Maupassant's characters become vivid and relatable to readers, enriching the narrative experience.

Keywords

• material detail
• clothing
• materiality of clothing
• indices
• guy de maupassant