Literary Devices In The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
The Necklace is a famous short story written by Guy De Maupassant. It was first published in 1884 and has since become one of the most popular works of French literature. The story revolves around a young woman named Mathilde Loisel, who aspires to live a life of luxury and wealth. Mathilde is married to a clerk, and they live a simple life. However, Mathilde's desire for more drives her to borrow a beautiful necklace from a wealthy friend, Madame Forestier. When she loses the necklace, she and her husband are forced to work hard to pay for a replacement. The story ends with a twist that reveals the true value of the necklace.
Suspense
The Necklace is a story full of suspense. From the beginning, the reader is curious about Mathilde's desire for wealth and luxury. As the story progresses, the reader wonders if Mathilde will be able to return the necklace or if she will be caught. The tension builds as Mathilde and her husband struggle to pay for the replacement necklace. Finally, the twist ending adds an unexpected element of suspense that leaves the reader stunned.
Situational Irony
The Necklace is full of situational irony. One example of this is when Mathilde borrows the necklace from Madame Forestier. Mathilde believes that the necklace will make her look wealthy and sophisticated, but it ultimately leads to her downfall. Another example of situational irony is the fact that the necklace was not even real diamonds, but rather fake. This adds to the sense of irony in the story.
Symbolism
The necklace in the story is a symbol of wealth and luxury. It represents Mathilde's desire for a better life. However, the necklace also symbolizes the cost of greed and the dangers of materialism. The fact that the necklace was not even real diamonds adds to the symbolism of the story. It shows that the pursuit of material possessions can lead to disappointment and even disaster.
Characterization
The Necklace is a story that is rich in characterization. Mathilde Loisel is the protagonist of the story, and she is portrayed as a woman who is unhappy with her life. She is described as beautiful, charming, and graceful, but also dissatisfied and ungrateful. Her husband, Monsieur Loisel, is portrayed as a loving and caring man who wants to make his wife happy, but is unable to do so. Madame Forestier, the wealthy friend who lends Mathilde the necklace, is portrayed as a kind and generous woman who is unaware of the necklace's true value.
Themes
The Necklace explores a number of important themes. One of the most prominent themes is the danger of materialism. Mathilde's desire for wealth and luxury leads her to borrow the necklace, which ultimately leads to her downfall. Another theme is the importance of honesty. Mathilde's dishonesty about losing the necklace leads to her and her husband's financial ruin. The story also explores the theme of appearance vs. reality. The necklace appears to be a valuable piece of jewelry, but it is ultimately revealed to be a fake.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a classic short story that is full of literary devices. From suspense to situational irony to symbolism, the story is rich in literary elements that make it a timeless work of literature. The story explores important themes that are still relevant today, and it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty.