What is the conflict in Guy de short story The False Gems?
The main conflict in Guy de Maupassant's short story "The False Gems" is the tension between the protagonist's desire for social status and his lack of financial means. The protagonist is a young man named Louis, who is in love with a wealthy woman named Mathilde. However, Louis knows that he will never be able to marry Mathilde because he does not have the financial resources to support her. In an attempt to win Mathilde's affection, Louis pretends to be wealthy by purchasing a set of false gems. However, his deception is soon discovered, and he is forced to face the consequences of his actions.