The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Conflict
"The Necklace" is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant in 1884. It tells the story of a woman named Mathilde Loisel who borrows a necklace from a friend to attend a high-class party. After losing the necklace, Mathilde and her husband spend ten years working to repay the debt incurred to replace it. The story is a classic example of a conflict between appearance and reality, and the consequences of pride and vanity.
The Conflict
The conflict in "The Necklace" arises from Mathilde Loisel's desire to appear wealthy and high-class. Despite her husband's modest income, Mathilde longs for a life of luxury and glamour. When she receives an invitation to attend a high-class party, Mathilde realizes that she has nothing to wear that is suitable for such an occasion. She borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend, believing that it will help her fit in with the other guests.
However, after the party, Mathilde realizes that she has lost the necklace. Rather than admit to her friend that she has lost the necklace, Mathilde and her husband spend all of their savings and borrow money to replace it. The conflict arises from Mathilde's desire to appear wealthy and her inability to afford the lifestyle that she desires. Her pride and vanity lead her to make a series of decisions that ultimately lead to her downfall.
The Consequences of Pride and Vanity
The consequences of Mathilde's pride and vanity are severe. After losing the necklace, Mathilde and her husband are forced to work tirelessly to repay the debt they have incurred. They move into a smaller apartment, sell their possessions, and work long hours to make ends meet. Mathilde ages prematurely as a result of the stress and hard work, and her beauty fades.
After ten years of hard work, Mathilde and her husband finally repay the debt. However, the experience has changed Mathilde forever. She is bitter and resentful, no longer able to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. When she encounters her wealthy friend years later, she is no longer envious of her wealth and status. Instead, she realizes that her pride and vanity have cost her everything.
"The Necklace" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and vanity. Mathilde Loisel's desire to appear wealthy and high-class leads her to make a series of decisions that ultimately lead to her downfall. The story serves as a reminder that true happiness and contentment cannot be found in material possessions, but in the simple pleasures of life.
