The novel also critiques the bourgeois values of late 19th-century France, particularly in its portrayal of the rising middle class. The protagonist, Georges Duroy, is a product of this class, and his rise to power is facilitated by his ability to navigate the complexities of Parisian society.
Gustave de Maupassant's Bel Ami, published in 1889, tells the story of Georges Duroy, a young and ambitious man who rises to prominence in Parisian society through his charm, good looks, and strategic manipulation of women. The novel is often seen as a critique of the social and cultural norms of late 19th-century France, particularly in its portrayal of the bourgeoisie and the objectification of women. One of the key literary devices used by Maupassant to convey these themes is the concept of mating season, which serves as a metaphor for the social and romantic conquests of the protagonist. bel ami mating season