Original Short Stories — Volume 11

"Original Short Stories — Volume 11" by Guy de Maupassant is a compilation of stories from the late 1800s that keenly observes people and society with a bit of irony and dark humor. The stories capture the essence of home life problems, societal rules, and personal battles, often focusing on characters readers can easily relate to, like the budget-conscious Mme. Oreille and her husband in "The Umbrella." The initial story, "The Umbrella," introduces Mme. Oreille as a penny-pincher, much to her husband's frustration. He is embarrassed of his old umbrella and wants a new one thus sparking squabbles when the umbrella becomes damaged. The beginning establishes a vivid picture of their everyday struggles as they navigate the effects of spending. These stories paint a fascinating picture of the intricacies of daily life with Maupassant's humor.