How did Guy de Maupassant portray ordinary French life between 1870 and 1890?

Between 1870 and 1890, Guy de Maupassant portrayed ordinary French life through a lens of rigorous realism, aiming to capture the "history of the heart, soul and mind in their normal state". His work dispassionately observed the daily preoccupations, small dramas, and social realities of both the peasantry and the bourgeoisie.12

Maupassant utilized a technique of objective observation, focusing on specific gestures, words, or reticence to reveal the essential personalities of his characters. His writing often exposed the hypocrisy, greed, and dishonesty masked by everyday appearances, frequently targeting the middle classes, bureaucracy, and the social dynamics of the era.21

His comprehensive picture of French life during this period spanned diverse settings, including:
* The Franco-German War: Often highlighting the irony and moral failings of those caught in conflict.13
* Social Classes: Exploring the emotional problems and material desires of people ranging from the Norman peasantry to the Parisian upper classes.2
* Urban Life: Depicting the cynical worlds of journalism, finance, and the exploitation found in brothels and the boudoir.12

Ultimately, he presented his characters as victims of ironic necessity, driven by sensual appetites and material ambition.2