The Necklace Guy De Maupassant Analysis
"The Necklace" is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is dissatisfied with her middle-class life and longs for the luxuries of the upper class. When she borrows a necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a high society party, Mathilde's life takes a turn for the worse.
The Characters
The story's main character, Mathilde Loisel, is a beautiful but discontented woman who dreams of a life of luxury and wealth. Her husband, Monsieur Loisel, is a clerk who works hard to provide for his wife's desires, but is often met with disappointment. Madame Forestier is Mathilde's wealthy friend who lends her the necklace that sets the story in motion.
The Plot
The story begins with Mathilde's dissatisfaction with her life, particularly her lack of wealth and status. When she is invited to a high society party, she borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. Mathilde is the belle of the ball and enjoys the attention and admiration of the other guests, but when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace.
Desperate to replace the necklace before Madame Forestier discovers it missing, Mathilde and Monsieur Loisel go deep into debt to buy a new one. They spend years paying off the debt, living in poverty and sacrificing their happiness for the sake of the necklace. When they finally pay off the debt and tell Madame Forestier the truth, she reveals that the necklace was a fake and worth nothing.
The Themes
The story explores themes of envy, pride, and the dangers of materialism. Mathilde is driven by her desire to be seen as wealthy and fashionable, but her pursuit of these things leads to her downfall. The story also highlights the importance of honesty and the consequences of deceit.
The Analysis
"The Necklace" is a masterful example of the short story form, with its tight plot, vivid characters, and underlying themes. De Maupassant's writing is clear and concise, and he manages to convey a great deal of emotion and meaning in a relatively short space.
The story's ending is particularly impactful, with the revelation that the necklace was a fake undercutting Mathilde's entire journey. This twist underscores the story's themes of the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty.
The Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of themes such as envy, pride, and materialism make it a thought-provoking and engaging read. Guy De Maupassant's skillful writing and masterful storytelling make "The Necklace" a must-read for fans of the short story genre.
