Background Of The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story written by the French writer Guy de Maupassant. It was first published in the French newspaper Le Gaulois on February 17, 1884. The story has become one of the most popular and enduring works of short fiction, and is often studied in literature classes around the world.
Plot Summary
The story is set in Paris in the late 19th century, and follows the life of Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but discontented housewife. Mathilde is unhappy with her simple life and longs for the luxuries of the wealthy. Her husband, who is a clerk in the Ministry of Education, is unable to provide her with the expensive items she desires.
One day, Mathilde's husband comes home with an invitation to a high-society party. Mathilde is ecstatic at the opportunity to mingle with the wealthy and borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. At the party, Mathilde is the belle of the ball and enjoys herself immensely.
However, when Mathilde returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search for it, but it is nowhere to be found. In order to replace the necklace, they take out loans and work hard to pay them off for years.
Years later, Mathilde runs into Madame Forestier on the street and tells her what happened. Madame Forestier is shocked and reveals that the necklace was actually a cheap imitation, worth only a few francs. Mathilde is devastated and realizes that her obsession with wealth and status has led to her downfall.
Themes
The Necklace explores several themes, including the dangers of materialism, the importance of honesty, and the consequences of deception. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads her to make poor decisions, and ultimately causes her great suffering. The story also highlights the importance of honesty, as Mathilde's dishonesty about losing the necklace leads to years of financial hardship for her and her husband.
Author's Background
Guy de Maupassant was a French writer who was born in 1850 in Normandy, France. He was the son of Gustave de Maupassant, a wealthy lawyer, and Laure Le Poittevin, a woman of humble origins. Guy grew up in a troubled family environment, and his parents separated when he was just eleven years old.
Despite his difficult childhood, Guy went on to become one of the most respected writers of his time. He wrote hundreds of short stories, novels, and plays, and was known for his keen observations of human behavior and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers around the world. The story's themes of materialism, honesty, and deception are as relevant today as they were when the story was first published over a century ago. Guy de Maupassant's keen observations of human behavior and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life have made him one of the most respected writers of his time, and his work continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike.
