Top 10 Guy de Maupassant Short Stories: What Are Their Main Themes?

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 theme of morality is also prominent. The characters face moral dilemmas throughout the story, which makes the reader reflect on right and wrong.

One of the main themes is the price of pride. Mathilde's pride doesn't allow her to admit to her friend that she lost the necklace. Instead, she and her husband endure years of hardship to replace it. Also, the theme of social class is prominent. Mathilde is constantly aware of her lower - class status and tries to transcend it through borrowed finery.

In 'The Necklace', Guy de Maupassant explores themes like the futility of material pursuits. Mathilde spends years in hardship to replace a necklace that was fake. The story also touches on the theme of self - perception. Mathilde has a warped view of herself and her place in society, which is influenced by her desire for material wealth and social standing.

One of the main themes is appearance vs. reality. The jewelry seemed fake but was real, just as the wife's image was different from the truth. Another theme is materialism. The wife's love for jewelry was a significant part of the story.

The themes could include love, family bonds, and the challenges of domestic life.

In Guy de Maupassant's first short story 'Boule de Suif', the prominent themes are social prejudice and the true nature of humanity. The characters' treatment of Boule de Suif due to her social standing shows the deep - rooted prejudice in society. Also, when faced with difficulties, the characters' actions reveal their true, often self - centered, human nature. It also touches on the theme of survival and how people's values can change in desperate situations.

Well, in my opinion, 'The Necklace' is a top pick. It's a story that really shows how pride and vanity can lead to a downfall. The main character's obsession with appearance and her false sense of status causes her so much trouble. 'Miss Harriet' is also a great story. It has elements of mystery and love, set in a foreign and somewhat exotic location. And 'The False Gems' is a story that makes you think about the true value of things, not just material objects but also relationships.

Guy de Maupassant's short stories have had a great influence on literature. His concise writing style has been emulated by many writers. It shows that a great story can be told even in a short form.

One of the remarkable aspects of Maupassant's short stories is his ability to create vivid characters in a short span. His descriptions are concise yet powerful. In stories like 'Boule de Suif', he delved into the complex relationships among different classes during the Franco - Prussian War, highlighting the hypocrisy and self - interest of the so - called upper class.