Summary:
"Miss Harriet" by Guy de Maupassant is a novella written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around a group of travelers, including the enigmatic character of Miss Harriet, an elderly Englishwoman whose peculiarities and devotion to nature intrigue those around her. The story explores themes of love, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships through the lens of an artist's perspective. At the start of the novella, a group of seven individuals—four women and three men—embark on a journey in a coach, heading towards the Tancarville ruins from Étretat. As they travel, they reflect on their experiences, with one of the men, Léon Chenal, revealing his past as a wandering painter. He describes his carefree lifestyle while hinting at an unfolding story about love and loss. The focus shifts to Miss Harriet, an odd, tall English woman who is introduced as a curious character, shunned by the local villagers due to her unconventional beliefs and actions. As the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that beneath her eccentricity lies a tragic story of longing and unfulfilled love, culminating in a poignant and dramatic turn towards the end of this opening portion. (This is an automatically generated summary.)