One of the main themes is human nature. Maupassant often shows the complex and sometimes dark side of people. For example, in 'The Necklace', it reveals the pride and vanity of the main character. Another theme is social class differences. His stories frequently depict how people from different social classes interact and the inequalities between them. Also, love and relationships are common themes. Some of his stories explore the different forms of love, from passionate love to more practical or unrequited love.
The themes in Guy de Maupassant short stories are diverse. Social criticism is a big one. He uses his stories to point out the flaws in the society of his time, like the greed and hypocrisy that were prevalent. Mortality is also a theme. His stories may show how death can suddenly change lives or be an ever - present shadow. And the theme of deception can be seen in many of his works, where characters deceive others or are deceived themselves, often leading to unexpected consequences.