Mathilde Character Analysis In The Necklace
Mathilde Loisel, the protagonist in "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, is a complex character who undergoes a transformation throughout the story. At the beginning of the story, Mathilde is depicted as a beautiful, charming, and dreamy young woman who is dissatisfied with her life. She is married to a clerk and lives in a modest apartment, but she dreams of a life of luxury and glamour.
Mathilde's dissatisfaction with her life is further exacerbated when she is invited to attend a ball. She believes that she needs a beautiful dress and expensive jewelry to look her best at the ball. However, she does not have any of these things, and her husband is unable to provide them for her. Mathilde is devastated and cries for days.
The Necklace
In an effort to make Mathilde happy, her husband suggests that she borrow a necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier. Mathilde is thrilled with the idea and borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from Madame Forestier. At the ball, Mathilde is the belle of the ball and attracts the attention of all the men. She is ecstatic and dances all night.
However, Mathilde's happiness is short-lived. When she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search for it everywhere, but they cannot find it. Mathilde is beside herself with grief and fear. She and her husband decide to replace the necklace by buying a new one. They borrow money, sell their possessions, and work tirelessly to pay off the debt.
The Transformation
Mathilde's obsession with the necklace and her desire for material possessions lead to her transformation. She becomes a different person – bitter, angry, and resentful. She is no longer the charming and dreamy young woman that she once was. Instead, she is consumed by her desire for wealth and status.
Mathilde's transformation is evident in her treatment of her husband. She becomes cold and distant towards him, blaming him for their financial troubles. She also becomes careless with her appearance, losing her beauty and charm. Mathilde's obsession with the necklace ultimately leads to her downfall.
The Irony
The irony of "The Necklace" lies in the fact that the necklace that Mathilde lost was not a valuable one. It was an imitation, worth only a few francs. Mathilde's desire for material possessions and her obsession with wealth and status blinded her to the truth. She was so consumed by her desire for a luxurious life that she failed to appreciate the simple pleasures that life had to offer.
Mathilde's character is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of appreciating what one has. She is a complex character who undergoes a transformation throughout the story. Mathilde's desire for wealth and status ultimately leads to her downfall, but it also teaches her a valuable lesson about the true meaning of happiness.
