Tough-O-Meter

We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)

(3) Base Camp

Maupassant at times uses slightly old-fashioned language (just how old-fashioned it is depends on the translation). But for the most part, everything about the story is blissfully short and simple.