Bel Ami; or, The History of a Scoundrel

Recognized as a master of the short story, Maupassant's works reflect the stark realities of life during the Franco-Prussian War, highlighting the futility of conflict and its impact on innocent civilians. His writing, influenced by Gustave Flaubert, is known for its concise style and effective resolutions. With a prolific output of 300 short stories and several novels, his first story, "Boule de Suif," is particularly celebrated as a defining piece of his literary legacy. Maupassant's contributions embody the principles of the Naturalist school.