The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Annotations
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, first published in the French newspaper "Le Gaulois" in 1884. It tells the story of Madame Mathilde Loisel, a woman who dreams of a life of wealth and luxury, but is trapped in a life of poverty. When she borrows a diamond necklace from a friend to wear to a fancy party, she loses it and spends the next ten years of her life working to pay off the debt incurred to replace it. This article will provide annotations for the story to help readers better understand its themes and meanings.
Setting
The story is set in Paris, France in the late 19th century, a time when the city was known for its opulence and extravagance. The story takes place in a variety of settings, including the Loisel's small apartment, the party at the Ministry of Education, and the various locations Madame Loisel visits in her search for the lost necklace.
Main Characters
The main characters in the story are:
- Madame Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but discontented woman who dreams of a life of luxury
- Monsieur Loisel, Madame Loisel's husband, who loves her deeply but is unable to provide her with the wealth and status she desires
- Madame Forestier, a wealthy friend of Madame Loisel's who lends her the diamond necklace
Themes
The story explores a number of themes, including:
- The dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth
- The consequences of pride and vanity
- The importance of honesty and integrity
- The power of appearances and social status
Plot Summary
The story begins with Madame Loisel lamenting her simple life and dreaming of a life of luxury. When she is invited to a fancy party, she borrows a diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. At the party, she is a great success, but when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband are unable to find it, and they take out loans to buy a replacement necklace. Madame Loisel spends the next ten years of her life working to pay off the debt. When she finally pays off the debt, she runs into Madame Forestier and learns that the original necklace was a fake and worth very little.
Annotations
Paragraph 1
The story "The Necklace" was written by Guy de Maupassant and first published in 1884. It tells the story of Madame Mathilde Loisel, a woman who dreams of a life of wealth and luxury, but is trapped in a life of poverty.
Annotation: The story is a powerful commentary on the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth. Madame Loisel's desire for a life of luxury blinds her to the many blessings she already has, including a loving husband and a comfortable home. Her pursuit of a life of luxury ultimately leads to her downfall.
Paragraph 2
The story is set in Paris, France in the late 19th century, a time when the city was known for its opulence and extravagance. The story takes place in a variety of settings, including the Loisel's small apartment, the party at the Ministry of Education, and the various locations Madame Loisel visits in her search for the lost necklace.
Annotation: The setting of the story is important because it highlights the stark contrast between Madame Loisel's dreams of luxury and her actual life of poverty. The opulence and extravagance of Paris serves as a constant reminder of what Madame Loisel does not have.
Paragraph 3
The main characters in the story are Madame Mathilde Loisel, Monsieur Loisel, and Madame Forestier.
Annotation: The characters in the story represent different aspects of society. Madame Loisel represents the poor and disenfranchised, while Madame Forestier represents the wealthy and powerful. Monsieur Loisel represents the middle class, caught between the two extremes. The interactions between these characters highlight the power dynamics of society and the importance of social status.
Paragraph 4
The story explores a number of themes, including the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth, the consequences of pride and vanity, the importance of honesty and integrity, and the power of appearances and social status.
Annotation: The themes of the story are all interrelated, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of society. The pursuit of wealth and status often leads to pride and vanity, which in turn can lead to dishonesty and deception. The story serves as a cautionary tale against these negative aspects of society, reminding readers of the importance of humility, honesty, and integrity.
Paragraph 5
The story begins with Madame Loisel dreaming of a life of luxury. When she is invited to a fancy party, she borrows a diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. At the party, she is a great success, but when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband are unable to find it, and they take out loans to buy a replacement necklace. Madame Loisel spends the next ten years of her life working to pay off the debt. When she finally pays off the debt, she runs into Madame Forestier and learns that the original necklace was a fake and worth very little.
Annotation: The plot of the story is both simple and complex, highlighting the many layers of society and the human condition. Madame Loisel's desire for a life of luxury leads her down a path of deception and debt, ultimately resulting in her downfall. The twist ending of the story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a powerful and timeless story that explores the complexities of society and the human condition. Its themes and meanings are as relevant today as they were when the story was first written. By providing annotations for the story, readers can better understand its intricacies and appreciate its timeless message.
