Analyzing The Opening And Closing Of The Necklace Answers
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant. It is a story about a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who borrows a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier to wear at a party. Unfortunately, she loses the necklace and spends her life paying for its replacement. This article will analyze the opening and closing of the story and provide answers to some of the questions that readers may have.
The Opening
The story begins with the description of Mathilde Loisel's life. She is beautiful but poor, and she dreams of a luxurious life. Her husband, Monsieur Loisel, is a clerk in the Ministry of Education, and they live in a small apartment. The opening of the story sets the tone for what is to come. The reader gets a sense of Mathilde's character and the kind of life she leads.
The Invitation
Mathilde's husband comes home with an invitation to a party at the Ministry of Education. Mathilde is excited but realizes that she has nothing to wear. Monsieur Loisel gives her four hundred francs to buy a dress, but she insists on having a necklace to complete her outfit. This is the beginning of Mathilde's downfall.
The Necklace
Mathilde borrows a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. The necklace is a beautiful piece of jewelry that Mathilde believes will make her look rich and important. She wears the necklace to the party and receives many compliments. However, on the way home, she realizes that the necklace is missing.
The Search
Mathilde and her husband search everywhere for the necklace but cannot find it. They decide to replace it with a new one, which costs them thirty-six thousand francs. They borrow the money from various sources and spend the next ten years paying off the debt.
The Closing
The story ends with Mathilde running into Madame Forestier, who tells her that the necklace was a fake and worth only five hundred francs. Mathilde is devastated and realizes that she has wasted her life paying for something that was not worth it. The closing of the story is a twist that leaves the reader with a sense of irony.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful story that teaches us about the dangers of pride and materialism. Mathilde's desire for a luxurious life leads her to borrow a necklace that she cannot afford to lose. The opening and closing of the story set the tone for what is to come and provide answers to some of the questions that readers may have. The story is a reminder that true happiness comes from within and that material possessions can never bring us true joy.