Diary of a Madman (Guy de Maupassant)

Diary of a Madman is a short story by the French author Guy de Maupassant, originally published in 1885. The story, told in the form of a diary entry, delves into the dark psychological state of a judge who is haunted by the memory of a man he condemned to death.

The narrative unfolds as the judge, overwhelmed by guilt and plagued by insomnia, recounts the events leading up to the execution. He describes his unwavering conviction in the man's guilt during the trial, fueled by seemingly irrefutable evidence. However, after the execution, a growing sense of unease and doubt begins to consume him.

The diary reveals the judge's descent into madness as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions. He becomes increasingly convinced that he has unjustly taken a life, and the weight of his decision drives him to the brink of insanity. The story explores themes of guilt, justice, the power of conscience, and the fragility of the human mind. The judge's internal struggle is portrayed through vivid and disturbing imagery, characteristic of Maupassant's style.

Diary of a Madman is a chilling exploration of the psychological toll that power and responsibility can exact, and serves as a commentary on the fallibility of the legal system and the subjective nature of truth and justice.