Why did debussy write his la petite suite?

Debussy composed La petite suite in 1889 at the age of 27 for four-hand piano. The impetus to write the work was a competition announced by the publisher Jacques Durand, which offered a prize for the best piano duet composition. Debussy entered his suite, which comprised four movements: "En bateau," "Cortège," "Menuet," and "Ballet." Although he did not win the competition, Durand accepted the piece for publication and it was published the following year.