Two Friends by Guy de Maupassant - Audio One Bookshelf

"Two Friends" by Guy de Maupassant is a short story set during the Franco-Prussian War. The tale follows two Parisian men, Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage, who share a deep bond through their mutual love of fishing. Despite the ongoing war, they decide to venture out of the city to their favorite fishing spot on the river Seine.
While fishing, the two friends are captured by Prussian soldiers. The Prussian officer in charge demands they provide the password to re-enter the French lines. When they refuse, the officer executes them both, and their bodies are thrown into the river. The story highlights themes of friendship, the senselessness of war, and the tragic consequences of human conflicts. Maupassant's portrayal of the two friends' loyalty to each other and their country underscores the profound impact of war on ordinary lives.