What are the main themes in Evelyn Waugh short stories?

If the novel is 'Decline and Fall', one main theme is the absurdity of social class. We see how Paul Pennyfeather is at the mercy of the upper - class whims. Another theme is the hollowness of the educational system. It seems to produce rather shallow and self - interested individuals. Also, moral decay is a theme as characters often engage in unethical behavior without much consequence in the eyes of society.

Another one is 'A Handful of Dust'. This novel shows Waugh's satirical take on the upper - class society. It tells the story of Tony Last, a man who is betrayed by his wife and finds himself in a rather strange and difficult situation in the Amazon jungle.

Clergymen sometimes appear in his short stories as well. They can represent the struggle between traditional religious values and the modern, secular world. Waugh uses them to explore themes of faith and doubt within the context of the story.

One characteristic is his incisive social commentary. For example, in many of his short stories, he satirizes the upper - class society's follies and vanities. He exposes their false pretenses and self - centeredness in a very clever way.

Evelyn Waugh's short stories are among the best because of his astute observations of society. He was able to take a look at different aspects of life, whether it was the upper - class society with all its pretensions or the more mundane aspects of human nature. For example, in many of his stories, he shows how people's vanity and self - importance can lead them into all sorts of comical or tragic situations. His characters are often complex and multi - dimensional, which makes them very interesting to read about. He also has a great sense of pacing in his stories, knowing just when to build up the tension and when to release it with a touch of humor or a surprising turn of events.

A great Evelyn Waugh novel is 'A Handful of Dust'. It has a dark and satirical take on the upper - class society. The story is full of twists and turns, and it shows the hollowness and moral decay that can exist beneath the veneer of wealth and privilege.

Evelyn Waugh novels are often known for their satirical tone. They vividly depict the social classes and their follies. For example, in 'Brideshead Revisited', he explores the decline of the aristocracy through the story of Charles Ryder and the Flyte family.

One of his great short stories is 'The Man Who Liked Dickens'. It's a fascinating tale with complex characters.

Many consider 'The Loved One' to be among his best works. It satirizes the American way of death and the Hollywood culture. It's a biting and often hilarious look at the funeral industry and the artificiality that can be found in certain aspects of American society.

Another great one is 'A Handful of Dust'. It delves into the dark side of marriage and the upper - class society. The main character's journey through his troubled marriage and his strange adventure in the jungle is full of wry humor and a sense of the absurd.