The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Theme
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant. It was first published in the French newspaper Le Gaulois on February 17, 1884. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel who borrows a diamond necklace from a friend to wear to a fancy party. After losing the necklace, Mathilde and her husband spend years working to pay off the debt. The story is famous for its twist ending, but it also explores themes of social class, materialism, and the consequences of one's actions.
Social Class
One of the main themes of "The Necklace" is social class. Mathilde Loisel is described as being born into a family of clerks and marrying a lowly government clerk. She dreams of a life of luxury and elegance, but her social class prevents her from attaining it. This is evident in the way she feels about attending the fancy party: "She was unhappy all the time...because she had no jewels, no evening gown, nothing." This desire for social status causes Mathilde to borrow the necklace in the first place, leading to the story's tragic events.
Materialism
Another theme of "The Necklace" is materialism. Mathilde's desire for material possessions is what motivates her to borrow the necklace. She believes that wearing the necklace will make her appear wealthy and sophisticated, and will allow her to fit in with the other guests at the party. This materialism is also evident in the way she spends the next ten years working to pay off the debt incurred by losing the necklace. Mathilde's obsession with material possessions ultimately leads to her downfall.
Consequences of Actions
The consequences of one's actions is another theme explored in "The Necklace." Mathilde's decision to borrow the necklace has far-reaching consequences, not only for herself but for her husband as well. The loss of the necklace leads to years of debt and poverty for the couple. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of considering the consequences of one's actions before making decisions.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a classic short story that explores themes of social class, materialism, and the consequences of one's actions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsessing over material possessions and the importance of considering the consequences of one's actions. Despite being written over a century ago, the story's themes still resonate with readers today.