The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Summary
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story by the famous 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 the most popular and anthologized works of Maupassant.
Plot Summary
The story is about a young woman named Mathilde Loisel who is not content with her simple and modest life. She is married to a low-paid clerk and dreams of a life of luxury and wealth. One day, her husband comes home with an invitation to a fancy party. Mathilde is thrilled but realizes that she has nothing to wear. She borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier and attends the party. Mathilde is the belle of the ball and has a wonderful time.
When she returns home, however, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search everywhere but cannot find it. They decide to buy a new one to replace it. They borrow money, sell some of their possessions, and work hard to pay off the debt. It takes them ten years to finally pay off the loan.
One day, Mathilde meets Madame Forestier on the street and tells her what happened. Madame Forestier is surprised and tells Mathilde that the necklace was fake and worth only a few francs.
Themes
The Necklace explores several themes such as the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth, the consequences of envy and pride, and the power of appearances. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads her to borrow a necklace that she cannot afford to lose. Her pride prevents her from telling Madame Forestier the truth about the lost necklace, and her envy of her wealthy friends causes her to suffer for ten years. The story also shows the power of appearances and how they can be deceiving. Mathilde is admired and envied by everyone at the party, but she is miserable and unhappy.
Analysis
The Necklace is a masterful example of the short story genre. It is a well-crafted and tightly written story that explores deep themes and emotions in a few pages. Maupassant's prose is clear and concise, and he creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of Parisian society in the late 19th century. The story is also a critique of the French bourgeoisie and their obsession with status and wealth. Mathilde's desire for luxury and her disdain for her simple life reflect the values of the French upper class at the time.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of being content with what one has. The story also shows the power of appearances and how they can be deceiving. Maupassant's skillful use of language and his nuanced portrayal of human emotions make The Necklace a must-read for all lovers of literature.