Two Little Soldiers Summary

Two Little Soldiers is a short story by Guy de Maupassant that explores friendship, innocence, jealousy, and sudden tragedy. The story follows two soldiers, Luc and Jean, who spend every Sunday away from the barracks, enjoying the countryside as a way to escape military life. Their outings become a fixed routine, almost a ritual. Each week, they bring food and wine to the same wooded spot, relax, and take comfort in the peaceful surroundings that remind them of home.

Over time, their routine includes quietly watching a young village girl who passes by every Sunday while taking her cow out to graze. At first, they only admire her from a distance, but one Sunday she speaks to them. When she returns later, she shares some fresh milk with them and promises to meet them again the following Sunday.

The next week, Jean suggests bringing her a gift. They decide on candy, but when the girl arrives, both soldiers feel too shy to mention it. Eventually, Luc tells her, and Jean, who always carries their supplies, gives her the bonbons. As weeks go by, the girl becomes an important part of their lives. She joins them for breakfast on Sundays and treats both soldiers with equal friendliness, strengthening their bond.

Soon after, Luc begins to act strangely. He asks for leave on weekdays and borrows money from Jean without explaining why. Jean helps him without question. On the following Sunday, the girl runs straight to Luc, embraces him passionately, and ignores Jean. Luc and the girl disappear into the woods together for a long time, leaving Jean confused and deeply hurt.

When they return, the girl kisses Luc again and politely bids Jean good evening before leaving. Although neither soldier speaks about what happened, the tension is clear. On their way back to the barracks, they stop on a bridge over the Seine. Jean leans dangerously far over the water, slips, and falls into the river. Luc watches helplessly as his close friend drowns, bringing the story to a tragic end.

Exercise of Two Little Soldiers

Understanding the text

Answer these questions.

a. Why do the two soldiers spend their free time on Sundays away from the barrack out in the countryside?
The two soldiers spend their Sundays in the countryside because the place reminds them of home and gives them peace and comfort, which they do not find in the barracks.

b. Why does the girl become the topic of conversation for these soldiers?
The girl becomes their main topic of conversation because both soldiers gradually develop feelings for her and think about her constantly.

c. Why does deception enter into their friendship?
Deception enters their friendship because Luc secretly takes leave from the barracks to meet the girl without informing Jean, hiding the truth from his close friend.

d. Do you think that Luc is a betrayer of friendship?
Yes, Luc can be seen as a betrayer of friendship because he breaks Jean’s trust by secretly pursuing the girl they both liked, without being honest with him.

e. What is the cause of suicide of Jean? Do you think that it was the only release of his love?
Jean’s suicide is caused by emotional pain and jealousy after seeing Luc and the girl together. He feels abandoned and betrayed. Suicide was not the only solution, as he could have expressed his feelings or accepted the situation and moved on with life.

Reference to the context

a. What is the central theme of the story?
The central theme of the story is the conflict between friendship and love. The strong bond between the two friends is destroyed when both fall in love with the same girl, leading to jealousy, betrayal, and tragedy.

b. “What are you doing here? Are you watching the grass grow?”

i. Who is the speaker?
The speaker is the village girl or dairy maid.

ii. What does the word “here” indicate?
“Here” refers to the countryside spot where the two soldiers spend their Sundays.

iii. Who does “you” refer to?
“You” refers to the two soldiers, Jean and Luc.

c. “He leaned–he–he was leaning–so far over–that his head carried him away–and–he–fell–he fell—-“

i. Who is the speaker?
The speaker is Luc.

ii. Why is the speaker speaking with interruption?
He is speaking with interruption because he is shocked, terrified, and emotionally disturbed by Jean’s sudden death.

iii. What does he mean when he says “he–fell–he fell—”?
He means that Jean fell into the river.

d. Two Little Soldiers can be viewed as a series of dramatic scenes. Describe the story as tragedy.
The story is a tragedy because it begins with friendship, peace, and innocence but ends in loss and death. The introduction of love creates jealousy and emotional conflict, which destroys the bond between the friends. Luc’s secrecy and Jean’s emotional vulnerability lead to Jean’s downfall, making the ending tragic.

e. What is the setting and style of the story?
The story is set in the peaceful French countryside near a military barracks. Although it is wartime, the setting is calm and pastoral. The style is realistic and dramatic, focusing on emotions, relationships, and sudden tragedy.

f. How would you describe the conflict between the friends?
The conflict arises when Luc forms a romantic relationship with the girl and excludes Jean. Jean feels hurt and betrayed, while Luc remains silent. This emotional conflict between friendship and love ultimately leads to Jean’s death.

Reference beyond the text

a. Is it good to have conflict between friendship and love? Is it morally good that a person and his best friend can love the same person?
Conflict between friendship and love is harmful because both relationships are important for emotional well being. It is not morally wrong for two friends to love the same person, but honesty and communication are necessary to prevent misunderstanding and emotional damage.

b. How would you describe the triangular love?
Triangular love is a situation where three people are emotionally connected, often leading to jealousy and conflict. In Two Little Soldiers, this triangular love results in betrayal, emotional suffering, and tragedy.