Analysis The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant in the late 1800s. The story is set in Paris, France, and revolves around a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her middle-class lifestyle. Mathilde's desire for a wealthy and luxurious life leads her to borrow a necklace from a friend, which ends up changing her life forever.
The Plot
The story begins with Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but discontented woman, who is unhappy with her modest lifestyle. She is married to a clerk and dreams of a life of luxury and wealth. One day, her husband comes home with an invitation to a fancy ball, and Mathilde is thrilled at the opportunity to wear a beautiful dress and mingle with the rich and famous.
However, Mathilde realizes that she has no jewelry to wear to the ball and borrows a diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. She attends the ball and is the center of attention, but her happiness is short-lived when she realizes that she has lost the necklace on her way home.
Mathilde and her husband borrow money to buy a new necklace to replace the lost one and spend the next ten years paying off the debt. Mathilde ages prematurely and loses her beauty, while her husband works tirelessly to pay off the loan.
It is only at the end of the story that Mathilde discovers that the necklace she borrowed from Madame Forestier was actually a fake, and her life had been ruined for nothing.
The Themes
The Necklace explores several themes, including the dangers of envy, pride, and materialism. Mathilde's desire for a wealthy and luxurious life blinds her to the truth and leads her down a path of destruction.
The story also highlights the importance of honesty and the consequences of lying. Mathilde's deceit in borrowing the necklace and her failure to admit her mistake leads to her downfall.
The Characters
The main character in the story is Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful woman who dreams of a life of luxury and wealth. She is unhappy with her middle-class lifestyle and desires more than what she has. Mathilde's husband is a clerk who is content with his life but loves his wife and is willing to do anything to make her happy.
Madame Forestier is Mathilde's friend who loans her the necklace that sets the story in motion. She is depicted as wealthy and elegant, and her generosity towards Mathilde is a contrast to Mathilde's own selfishness and deceit.
The Writing Style
Guy De Maupassant's writing style is straightforward and concise, with a focus on the characters and their emotions. He uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of place and time, and his use of irony and foreshadowing adds depth to the story.
The Necklace is a classic example of the short story genre, with a well-crafted plot, fully realized characters, and a powerful message that continues to resonate with readers today.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a timeless classic that explores the dangers of envy, pride, and materialism. Guy De Maupassant's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the story to life and leave a lasting impression on readers.
The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions and the importance of honesty and integrity. The Necklace is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature and wants to learn more about the human experience.
