Short Story The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story by 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 Maupassant's most popular works and has been adapted into various plays and films. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty.
Plot Summary
The story is set in Paris in the late 19th century and follows the life of a middle-class woman named Mathilde Loisel. Mathilde is unhappy with her simple life and dreams of a more luxurious existence. When her husband, a clerk, receives an invitation to a fancy party, Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to the event.
At the party, Mathilde is the belle of the ball and enjoys herself immensely. However, on the way home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. Mathilde and her husband search frantically for it, but to no avail. They eventually decide to replace the necklace, which they cannot afford, and spend the next ten years working to pay off the debt.
After ten years, they finally repay the debt and Mathilde runs into her wealthy friend who had loaned her the necklace. She confesses to losing the necklace and replacing it, and the friend reveals that the original necklace was fake and worth only a fraction of the replacement cost. Mathilde realizes that her obsession with material possessions has ruined her life and her husband's.
Analysis
"The Necklace" is a commentary on the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads her to make a series of poor decisions that ultimately ruin her life. She borrows a necklace that she cannot afford to lose, spends ten years in poverty to replace it, and ultimately discovers that it was worth far less than she thought.
The story also highlights the importance of honesty. Mathilde's failure to tell the truth about losing the necklace and replacing it causes her and her husband to suffer needlessly for ten years. If Mathilde had been honest from the beginning, they could have avoided the debt and the years of hardship that followed.
Adaptations
"The Necklace" has been adapted into various plays and films, including a 2001 film starring Hilary Swank. The story's timeless themes of materialism and honesty continue to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads her to make a series of poor decisions that ultimately ruin her life. The story's timeless themes continue to resonate with audiences today and have made it one of Maupassant's most enduring works.