Modernization
Though modernization has brought many good things with it, like a surplus of food and industrial goods, one has to admit it - not everything we have is actually needed. This theme is seen in many of Saunders' works, as he implements what is happening today into a fictional, humorous world. Extreme modernization, as seen through his stories, will make us all less smart and immune to reality, as it will give us so many unneeded things to think about.
Relationships
Relationships in the short stories of George Saunders are rather strained - oftentimes, they are biological and unwanted. In "My Flamboyant Grandson", for example, a grandfather tries to teach his grandson by sending him off to a class. All this does is - absolutely nothing. The grandfather simply wanted to get rid of his grandson so that he could "enjoy" his old age.
Advertising
Advertising is prevalent in all of these short stories, showing how people can be easily influenced by what they see and read. With large multinational corporations, there are more advertisements, making people immune to everything they see. Therefore, companies must come up with new and innovative ways to get the attention of people, which results in a laughable republic.
