Guy De Maupassant The Necklace Questions
Guy De Maupassant’s The Necklace is a short story that tells a tale of a woman named Mathilde Loisel who borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend to wear to a fancy party. Unfortunately, Mathilde loses the necklace, and she and her husband spend the next ten years of their lives trying to replace it. The story raises several questions that are worth exploring. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. What motivates Mathilde to borrow the necklace?
Mathilde Loisel is a woman who dreams of a life of wealth and luxury. She is unhappy with her modest lifestyle, and when she receives an invitation to a fancy party, she sees it as an opportunity to live out her fantasies.
2. Why does Mathilde lie to her friend about losing the necklace?
Mathilde lies to her friend about losing the necklace because she is afraid of the consequences. She knows that her friend is wealthy and that the necklace is valuable, and she fears that her friend will be angry with her and demand payment for the lost item.
3. How does Mathilde’s life change after losing the necklace?
After losing the necklace, Mathilde’s life takes a turn for the worse. She and her husband spend the next ten years of their lives in poverty, working hard to pay off their debts and replace the necklace. Mathilde becomes bitter and unhappy, and her once-beautiful looks fade away.
4. What is the significance of the necklace?
The necklace is a symbol of wealth and luxury. It represents the life that Mathilde dreams of having, but it also leads to her downfall. The necklace is also significant because it is the catalyst for the story’s plot. Without it, there would be no story.
5. What does the story say about the pursuit of wealth and happiness?
The story suggests that the pursuit of wealth and happiness can be dangerous. Mathilde’s obsession with the necklace leads to her ruin, and she ultimately realizes that the life of luxury she dreamed of having was not worth the price she paid for it.
6. What is the moral of the story?
The moral of the story is that happiness cannot be bought with material possessions. Mathilde learns this lesson the hard way, and the story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and envy.
7. How does the story reflect the society of Guy De Maupassant’s time?
The story reflects the societal norms of Guy De Maupassant’s time, which emphasized the importance of social class and wealth. It also reflects the struggles of the middle class, who were often caught between the poverty of the working class and the extravagance of the upper class.
8. How does the story compare to other works of literature?
The story is often compared to other works of literature that explore the theme of the pursuit of wealth and happiness. For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth both deal with characters who are obsessed with wealth and power.
9. Why is The Necklace a classic piece of literature?
The Necklace is a classic piece of literature because it explores timeless themes that are still relevant today. It also features well-developed characters, a strong plot, and vivid imagery that bring the story to life.
10. What can readers learn from The Necklace?
Readers can learn several valuable lessons from The Necklace, including the dangers of greed and envy, the importance of being content with what you have, and the fact that material possessions cannot bring true happiness.