The story describes a vibrant scene on a boulevard in Paris during sunset, where a diverse crowd is illuminated by the golden light. An enormous, exuberant negro named Timbuctoo approaches two officers, one a commander and the other a colonel, and reminisces about their time together during the war of 1870.
Timbuctoo, a former prince from Timbuctoo, had a unique influence over a group of undisciplined soldiers, leading them on mysterious expeditions. The officers discover that Timbuctoo’s source of alcohol was a nearby vineyard, where he and his companions would consume grapes until they were intoxicated.
Despite his eccentric behavior, Timbuctoo’s infectious joy and larger-than-life personality leave a lasting impression on those around him. The narrator is called to witness a strange caravan approaching his location, led by Timbuctoo and his comrades. They are carrying severed heads and have adorned animals with similar heads.
The Africans had encountered a detachment of Prussians and instead of fleeing, they attacked and killed several officers. Timbuctoo’s motivation for fighting was not glory, but personal gain.
Timbuctoo has a large pocket called his “profonde” where he collects valuable items, especially those that glisten. He plans to take these items back to his homeland. The general, upon hearing of Timbuctoo’s act of valor, buries the headless bodies to hide the decapitation. In retaliation, the Prussians execute the mayor and seven other villagers.
As winter arrives, the narrator’s troops are exhausted and desperate. Timbuctoo brings the narrator meat, but the narrator suspects it may be human flesh and declines future presents.
Timbuctoo shows his devotion to the narrator by giving him his cape to keep warm. When the narrator tries to return it, Timbuctoo threatens to cut it with his sharpened sword.
Eventually, the troops surrender to the Germans. The narrator encounters Timbuctoo, who has opened a restaurant called “Restaurant Timbuctoo” and proudly serves food made from captured Prussians.
Despite the despair of losing their town to the Germans, the narrator finds humor in Timbuctoo’s new enterprise and considers it a form of retaliation.
Guy de Maupassant Tombstones Summary
One Reply to “Guy de Maupassant Timbuctoo Summary”