By Guy De Maupassant The Necklace
Introduction
“The Necklace” is a short story by Guy de Maupassant that was first published in 1884. The story revolves around a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a high-society event. After losing the necklace, Mathilde and her husband spend the next ten years working to pay off the debt they incurred to replace it. The story explores themes of pride, greed, and the dangers of social climbing.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful young woman from a modest background, dreaming of a life of luxury and high society. However, her husband, a lowly clerk, can only afford a simple life. When Mathilde is invited to a ball hosted by the Minister of Education, she is distraught at the thought of appearing in her ordinary dress. Her husband gives her four hundred francs to buy a new dress, but Mathilde insists that she must have jewelry to wear with it.
Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend, Madame Forestier, and is the belle of the ball. However, on returning home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search frantically for it, but it is nowhere to be found. In desperation, they decide to buy a replacement necklace, and they borrow money from loan sharks to pay for it.
The next ten years are a struggle for Mathilde and her husband as they work tirelessly to pay off the debt they incurred to replace the necklace. Mathilde ages prematurely from the stress of their situation, and they are forced to move to a shabby apartment. After ten years, Mathilde encounters Madame Forestier on the street and tells her of the hardship she has suffered since losing the necklace. Madame Forestier is surprised to learn that the necklace Mathilde lost was a cheap imitation, worth only a fraction of what she and her husband had paid to replace it.
Themes
The Necklace explores themes of pride, greed, and the dangers of social climbing. Mathilde Loisel is consumed by her desire for wealth and social status, to the point where she is willing to borrow a valuable diamond necklace to wear to a ball. Her pride and vanity lead her to believe that she deserves to be part of high society, even though she comes from a modest background. The story also highlights the dangers of social climbing and the importance of being content with one's station in life.
Symbolism
The necklace itself is a symbol of wealth and social status. Mathilde's desire for the necklace represents her desire for a life of luxury and high society. However, the necklace also becomes a symbol of the dangers of pride and vanity. By borrowing the necklace, Mathilde puts herself in a position where she could lose it, and her inability to take responsibility for her actions leads to her and her husband's downfall.
Writing Style
Guy de Maupassant's writing style is characterized by his use of vivid and descriptive language. His descriptions of characters and settings are often detailed and precise, creating a vivid image in the reader's mind. The dialogue in the story is also well-crafted, with each character's speech reflecting their personality and social status. Maupassant's use of irony and satire is also evident in the story, particularly in the way he portrays Mathilde's desire for wealth and social status.
Conclusion
“The Necklace” is a classic short story that explores themes of pride, greed, and the dangers of social climbing. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and the importance of being content with one's station in life. Guy de Maupassant's vivid and descriptive writing style brings the story to life, creating a memorable and thought-provoking read.
