Possible Thesis Statements:
* The fragility and impermanence of life and the absurdity of clinging to appearances: The story highlights the contrast between Mr. Jones's life and his carefully crafted image after death. The embalmer's efforts to create a perfect facade ultimately prove futile in the face of death's inevitable reality.
* The power of societal expectations and the desire for approval: The characters in the story are consumed by the need to uphold a certain image, even in death. The embalmer's obsessive desire to make Mr. Jones look "beautiful" reflects the pressure to conform to societal standards.
* The dark humor and irony of death and the human condition: The story uses satire and black humor to expose the contradictions and absurdities of human nature. The characters' attempts to control and manipulate death ultimately fail, highlighting the futility of their efforts.
Ultimately, the meaning of "The Embalming of Mr. Jones" is open to interpretation. The story's lack of a clear-cut thesis allows for a deeper exploration of themes related to death, identity, and the nature of human existence.