The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story by Guy De Maupassant, first published in the French newspaper "Le Gaulois" in 1884. It is one of the most popular and well-known works of the author, who is considered one of the greatest short story writers in history. The story is set in Paris in the late 19th century and explores the themes of pride, vanity, and social status. It is a powerful and poignant examination of the human condition and remains a timeless classic in world literature.
The Plot
The story follows the life of Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful and charming young woman who is married to a clerk. Despite her good looks and pleasant personality, Mathilde is unhappy with her life because she is not wealthy and does not belong to the upper class of society. She dreams of a life of luxury and glamour, but her humble circumstances prevent her from realizing her aspirations.
One day, Mathilde's husband brings home an invitation to a ball hosted by the Ministry of Education. Mathilde is thrilled at the prospect of attending the ball, but she is dismayed when she realizes that she has nothing to wear. Her husband suggests that she borrow a necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier, and Mathilde is ecstatic at the thought of wearing such a beautiful piece of jewelry.
The night of the ball, Mathilde looks stunning in her borrowed gown and necklace. She dances and mingles with the other guests, enjoying the attention and admiration she receives. However, when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search frantically for it, but it is nowhere to be found.
Unable to replace the necklace, Mathilde and her husband decide to purchase a new one for Madame Forestier. They spend the next ten years working hard and living frugally to pay off the debt they incurred to buy the new necklace. When they finally manage to pay off the debt, Mathilde sees Madame Forestier on the street and tells her the story of the lost necklace and the years of sacrifice that followed. Madame Forestier is shocked and reveals to Mathilde that the necklace she borrowed was actually a fake and worth very little.
The Themes
"The Necklace" explores several themes that are still relevant today. One of the primary themes is the danger of pride and vanity. Mathilde's obsession with her appearance and social status leads her to make poor decisions and ultimately causes her great suffering.
Another theme is the illusion of wealth and happiness. Mathilde believes that wealth and luxury will bring her happiness, but she discovers that they are fleeting and can be easily lost. Her search for happiness leads her down a path of hardship and sacrifice.
The theme of appearance vs. reality is also explored in the story. Mathilde's borrowed necklace is a symbol of her desire to appear wealthy and glamorous, but it is also a symbol of the deception and illusion that she falls victim to.
The Characters
The characters in "The Necklace" are well-developed and complex. Mathilde is the protagonist of the story, and she is a sympathetic character despite her flaws. Her husband is a kind and loving man who is devoted to his wife, but he is also naive and easily influenced by her desires.
Madame Forestier is a minor character, but she is an important one. She is the wealthy friend who lends Mathilde the necklace, and she is also the one who reveals the truth about its value at the end of the story. Her character serves as a contrast to Mathilde's, highlighting the differences between the upper and lower classes of society.
The Writing Style
Guy De Maupassant's writing style is simple and direct, yet powerful and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and precise language to create a realistic and immersive world for his readers. His prose is clear and concise, but it also conveys a depth of emotion and meaning that is characteristic of great literature.
The Legacy
"The Necklace" is a timeless classic that has been widely read and studied for over a century. It has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired countless adaptations and reimaginings in various forms of media. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power and universality of its themes and characters.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and vivid characters. It is a poignant and powerful examination of the human condition, and it remains one of the most beloved and well-known works of Guy De Maupassant. Its legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of readers for many years to come.
