What Makes "An Uncomfortable Bed" by Guy de Maupassant Great?
Join me and dive into a story by Maupassant and learn how to use hyperbole, foreshadowing, and shift in tone to add a little humor and suspense to your stories.
Photo by Kunj Parekh on Unsplash
Writing stories is hard. Writing funny stories is even harder. Writing funny stories that are suspenseful and have a twist ending are stupidly difficult.
And I suck at writing all three.
But you know who doesn’t? Guy de Maupassant.
Yeah, I bet you haven’t heard that name in a long time (if at all).
I remember when I was maybe 10 years old I checked out a book of collected Maupassant stories. I remember stumbling upon “An Uncomfortable Bed” by Guy de Maupassant, a short story that perfectly balances humor, suspense, and irony.
Maupassant’s story gave me new insight into the mechanics of storytelling and how hyperbole or a subtle bit of foreshadowing can keep readers hooked until the final line.
Oh, what’s that? You said you’ve never read Maupassant? Well you’re in luck. HERE’S link to a PDF version of the story. Go ahead, do yourself a favor and put this post to the side and read the story.
Before we proceed…
If you’ve read this far and STILL haven’t read “An Uncomfortable Bed” then I’ve got you, chief. I summarized the story for you. You’re welcome.
In “An Uncomfortable Bed,” Maupassant explores how paranoia can be both funny and revealing about human nature. The story follows a narrator, suspicious of his friends’ intentions during a weekend getaway. Convinced they plan to play a practical joke on him, he works himself into such a state of vigilance that he becomes the architect of his own downfall. In an ironic twist, his friends were never plotting against him—his imagination was the real prankster all along.
This story shows how an intentional use of hyperbole can heighten humor, how subtle foreshadowing builds tension, and how tonal shifts keeps readers engaged.
Let’s explore how Maupassant uses all three to (chef’s kiss) perfection.
How does Maupassant use hyperbole to heighten the humor and suspense?
How does Maupassant use foreshadowing to build tension and create a satisfying twist ending?
How does Maupassant use shifts in tone to keep readers engaged?
If you’ve read my previous posts in this series, you’ll remember that I like to use a lot of charts that show the textual evidence with some brief explanations. It’s the teacher in me, I guess.
This time I’m doing something a little different. We’re still going to answer the three questions above, but I ditched the charts and decided to list out the evidence and explanations. Hopefully the change makes a smoother, easier read.
How does Maupassant use hyperbole to heighten the humor and suspense?
One of the most noticeable techniques in “An Uncomfortable Bed” is hyperbole. Maupassant exaggerates the narrator’s paranoia to absurd levels, amplifying both the humor and the tension.
Example #1:
“They fired off rifles, embraced me, made much of me, as if they expected to have great fun at my expense.”
The exaggerated reaction—firing rifles and excessive affection—creates a sense of paranoia. This over-the-top welcome immediately puts the protagonist (and the reader) on edge, setting the stage for humor and suspicion.
Example #2:
“During the dinner the mirth was excessive, exaggerated, in fact.”
The description of laughter as “excessive” and “exaggerated” heightens the protagonist’s anxiety. By making the laughter seem unnatural, Maupassant increases suspense—are they laughing at him or plotting against him?
Example #3:
“I scented a practical joke in the air, as a dog scents game.”
The simile comparing the narrator’s awareness to a hunting dog is an exaggeration of his paranoia. This hyperbolic comparison adds humor by making his suspicion seem almost absurd, while also reinforcing his growing unease.
Example #4:
“I searched in my memory for all the practical jokes of which I ever had experience.”
The idea that he recalls every prank he’s ever experienced is an exaggeration of his fear. This moment of self-reflection humorously shows how deeply he believes he is being set up.
Example #5:
“I must have been in a deep sleep for a long time, but all of a sudden I was awakened with a start by the fall of a heavy body tumbling right on top of my own, and, at the same time, I received on my face, on my neck, and on my chest a burning liquid which made me utter a howl of pain.”
The dramatic description of being crushed by a “heavy body” and covered in a “burning liquid” exaggerates the chaos of the situation. This moment is both suspenseful and comedic—the protagonist’s worst fears have seemingly come true, but the reality (a valet spilling tea) is hilariously mundane.
Example #6:
“Oh, how they all laughed that day!”
The phrase suggests an extreme level of laughter, likely more than necessary. The hyperbole in this final line emphasizes how the protagonist, despite all his precautions, became the punchline of his own joke.
These exaggerations serve two purposes. First, they immerse us in the narrator’s mindset and makes his reactions feel both absurd and believable. Second, they set the stage for the story’s ironic twist ending, in which his paranoia—not his friends—becomes the source of humiliation.
For writers, Maupassant’s use of hyperbole demonstrates how exaggeration can elevate mundane emotions, like suspicion or anxiety, into memorable and engaging moments. This technique supports the theme by showing how the narrator’s inflated sense of danger blinds him to reality.
How does Maupassant use foreshadowing to build tension and create a satisfying twist ending?
Foreshadowing is another technique Maupassant uses to great effect. He plants subtle clues early in the story that build tension and prepare readers for the twist ending.
Example #1:
“Some of my friends had arrived before me, and I was at once struck by a peculiar attitude, something subtle and sly in their manner.”
The narrator’s immediate suspicion suggests that a prank is being planned, making the reader anticipate a trick. Maupassant establishes unease early on, making the reader question what the joke will be. This builds tension and prepares us for the twist.
Example #2:
“They seemed to have suppressed an unnatural and mischievous laugh.”
The idea of suppressed laughter hints that something amusing (to the friends, at least) is going to happen at the narrator’s expense. The tension escalates as the narrator feels he is being deceived and makes us share in his paranoia.
Example #3:
“During the dinner the mirth was excessive, exaggerated, in fact. I thought to myself: ‘Here are people who have some special reason for laughing so much.’”
The forced laughter suggests that the guests are hiding something, reinforcing the narrator’s belief that a terrible prank is coming. This moment makes the reader as anxious as the narrator, wondering when the joke will happen.
Example #4:
“I scented a practical joke in the air, as a dog scents game.”
The narrator’s heightened awareness foreshadows that he will take extreme measures to avoid being tricked—possibly leading to unintended consequences. This line is key because it suggests that the protagonist’s paranoia may drive the outcome, which sets up the ironic twist.
Example #5:
“I decided to go to bed at once in order to avoid their tricks.”
The narrator’s determination to outsmart his friends suggests that his attempt to avoid the prank will backfire. The reader anticipates that the narrator’s cautiousness will somehow contribute to the humor of the situation. This behavior by the narrator makes the twist even more satisfying.
Example #6:
“I did not even take off my clothes, but got into bed with great precaution, like a man who is laying a mine.”
His extreme caution foreshadows that something will happen despite—or because of—his efforts. The image of “laying a mine” suggests an inevitable explosion and makes the reader eager to see how his plan will unravel.
Example #7:
“I must have been in a deep sleep for a long time, but all of a sudden I was awakened with a start by the fall of a heavy body tumbling right on top of my own.”
The unexpected fall is the culmination of all the previous hints—the narrator has trapped himself in his own imagined prank. The twist is satisfying because the reader has been conditioned to expect a joke, but the real joke is that the narrator was never in danger of being pranked at all.
Maupassant layers foreshadowing throughout the story to heighten suspense. By seeding the idea of a prank early on, he keeps readers on edge, wondering what will happen. The final twist is satisfying because the clues were there all along—just misinterpreted by both the narrator and the reader.
These actions, while seemingly rational at first, escalate into obsessive behaviors, hinting that the real conflict lies within the narrator’s mind. By the time we reach the climax—when the narrator leaps into bed and inadvertently humiliates himself—it feels both surprising and inevitable.
Foreshadowing enhances the theme by reinforcing the idea that our fears often stem from our own imaginations rather than external threats. For writers, it’s a reminder to leave breadcrumbs for readers, ensuring the payoff feels earned.
How does Maupassant use shifts in tone to keep readers engaged?
Tone is perhaps the most effective story element Maupassant uses in “An Uncomfortable Bed.” Maupassant shifts between humor and suspense. This shift in tone keeps readers on edge. The narrator’s heightened awareness and exaggerated descriptions create a comedic tone, but beneath the humor lies genuine tension: What if the narrator is right?
Example #1:
“Some of my friends had arrived before me, and I was at once struck by a peculiar attitude, something subtle and sly in their manner.”
Maupassant introduces an undercurrent of uneasiness and suspicion early on, making readers feel the narrator’s apprehension and question what’s really happening.
Example #2:
“They seemed to have suppressed an unnatural and mischievous laugh.”
The playful atmosphere suggests fun among friends, but the idea of “suppressed laughter” hints at something hidden, building intrigue. The tone is playful yet ominous.
Example #3:
“During the dinner the mirth was excessive, exaggerated, in fact. I thought to myself: ‘Here are people who have some special reason for laughing so much.’”
The excessive laughter makes the narrator’s suspicions grow, shifting the tone toward extreme paranoia, which keeps readers both amused and uncertain.
Example #4:
“I scented a practical joke in the air, as a dog scents game.”
The narrator’s self-importance and vigilance inject humor. The reader laughs at the narrator’s certainty that he’s the target of a prank.
Example #5:
“I decided to go to bed at once in order to avoid their tricks.
The tone shifts as the narrator takes action, reinforcing his paranoia. His cautiousness makes readers suspect that his plan will backfire.
Example #6:
“I did not even take off my clothes, but got into bed with great precaution, like a man who is laying a mine.”
This line heightens tension through exaggerated military imagery. The reader anticipate something explosive—both figuratively and literally—will happen.
Example #7:
“I must have been in a deep sleep for a long time, but all of a sudden I was awakened with a start by the fall of a heavy body tumbling right on top of my own.”
The abrupt shift from careful to unexpected disaster creates a comedic contrast. The humor lies in the irony that the narrator, so focused on avoiding a prank, has caused his own mishap.
Example #8:
“I was smothered beneath a man, who was struggling desperately, was choking me with his weight, and whose convulsive movements I could not overcome.”
The exaggerated struggle makes the scene both suspenseful and ridiculous. The reader is kept engaged while heading toward the final realization.
Example #9:
“It was a nightmare! What was the matter? Had they come to attack me? I was about to scream when I recognized the voice of my friend, the marquis, who was also groaning under a mass of blankets.”
The narrator’s momentary panic gives way to absurdity as he realizes the “attack” is just his friend tangled in the blankets. The humor is increased because the entire disaster was self-inflicted.
Example #10:
“When daylight came at last, I noticed at once the nature of my disaster. I had, in getting into bed, pulled over me, with my bedclothes, the side curtains of my canopy, and had completely entangled myself in them.”
The final tone is ironic. The narrator, so convinced he was outsmarting his friends, was never in danger—his own fear and paranoia caused his downfall.
The shifts in tone mirrors the story’s theme: the absurdity of human paranoia. By shifting between humor and genuine unease, Maupassant keeps readers guessing—and laughing—until the final twist. For writers, tone is a powerful tool for keeping readers emotionally invested, even in a short piece.
Your Turn: Readers & Writers Workshop
Tool for Readers: The Hyperbole Detector
Goal: To help readers analyze hyperbole in a short story or novel with a focus on how it affects tone, character, and engagement.
How it works:
Find a passage with possible uses of hyperbole
Look for extreme emotions, actions, or exaggerated descriptions.
Ask: Is this literally possible? If not, it might be hyperbole.
Analyze the effect
What is the author’s purpose in using hyperbole?
Humor? Making something absurdly exaggerated?
Suspense? Making something seem too intense to be real?
Characterization? Revealing how a character perceives the world?
Test for impact
Imagine the sentence without hyperbole—does it lose impact?
Does the exaggeration make the moment funnier, scarier, or more intense?
Example:
Tool for Writers: The Hyperbole Revision Chart
Goal: To helps writers intentionally add or refine hyperbole in their stories to enhance humor, suspense, or character voice.
How it works:
Find a scene in a current work in progress that feels flat and needs more energy
Identify a section in your work-in-progress (WIP) that feels flat or lacks impact.
Ask: Does this moment need more drama, humor, or heightened emotion?
Determine the purpose of the use of hyperbole
Is it for humor, suspense, character voice, or dramatic emphasis?
Revise a few sentences using hyperbole
Exaggerate one or more elements:
Emotions: Overstate how a character reacts.
Actions: Make a reaction over-the-top.
Descriptions: Make an object/place seem ridiculously big, scary, or beautiful.
Review/test your revision
Read your sentence aloud—does it enhance the tone or feel forced?
Share it with a writing partner/group and ask: What is your reaction to this? Does this make you laugh? Does it build tension?
Example:
Writing Prompt to Practice Hyperbole, Foreshadowing, and Tone
It’s time for your character (or you?) to finally put pen to paper, finger to keyboard, and confront their inner demons and face their fears .After reading and studying “An Uncomfortable Bead” write a short, short scene using the same devices as Maupassant.
The essence of Maupassant's story is that the narrator's anxiety creates a sense of fear mixed with humor about what COULD happen. So, let's play with that concept and see if we can take it one step further.
Think about a character who is about to face their greatest fear. Maybe it's skydiving to combat a fear of heights? Maybe it's handling a six-foot boa to overcome their fear of snakes? Maybe it's giving a speech in front of 1,000 people to address their fear of public speaking.
Write a story of 1,000 words or less exploring the thoughts and sensations your character thinks, feels, or believes what will happen after facing a fear. (Imagine what your character's anxiety will have to say about handling a snake?)
Include the following devices in your story.
Hyperbole: Exaggerate your character’s thought process. How do they convince themselves of a danger that may not exist? How does their inner monologue spiral into absurdity?
Foreshadowing: Plant subtle clues throughout the story. Does the setting hint at their mistake? Do other characters unintentionally mislead them?
Shifts in tone: Begin with confidence, shift to suspicion, then spiral into self-inflicted disaster—whether humorous, tragic, or both.
Add a moment of realization: End with the character’s moment of understanding. Was the world ever against them, or were they their own worst enemy all along?I created a Google Doc of the prompt for you to use as you wish, click HERE. Make sure to make a copy.
A Few Final Thoughts
What strikes me most about Maupassant’s “An Uncomfortable Bed” is how it accurately captures the craziness that runs rampant in our mind and imagination when we anticipate that something bad will happen.
There’s a primal sense to that understanding that survival as a human (both physically and psychologically) is dependent on assuming the worst of a person or situation.
As an artist or creative individual, I recognize the behaviors and thoughts of Maupassant’s narrator…especially when I’m writing on this platform.
But…
Unlike Maupassant’s narrator, I must overcome the self-doubt that follows anxiety like a dog in heat. I can only do what I can and try to get a little better each day.
Which, for a writer…
Studying “An Uncomfortable Bed” and playing around with these tools, writers can learn to craft stories that balance humor and suspense, surprise and inevitability.
Whether you’re exaggerating for comedic effect, planting subtle clues, or experimenting with tonal shifts, Maupassant offers a masterclass in short fiction.
Now, it’s your turn to experiment. Let me know in the comments which prompt you tackled or how you plan to revise your current work in progress!
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To give aspiring writers the tools and techniques to build their confidence, find their voice, and write damn good stories.