Exposition Of The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant in the late 19th century. It is one of the most famous short stories in the world, and has been widely studied and analyzed by literary critics and scholars. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her lower-middle-class life and dreams of a more luxurious lifestyle. She borrows a beautiful necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a fancy party, but loses it on her way home. She and her husband spend years working to pay off the debt they incur to buy a replacement necklace, only to learn that the original necklace was a fake, and they had wasted their lives and money on a worthless trinket.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Mathilde Loisel, a young woman who is unhappy with her life. She is married to a clerk and lives in a small apartment, but dreams of a more luxurious lifestyle. Her wish comes true when her husband is invited to a fancy party at the Ministry of Education. Mathilde is excited to attend the party, but she is concerned that she has nothing to wear. Her husband suggests that she borrow a beautiful necklace from his wealthy friend, Madame Forestier.At the party, Mathilde is the center of attention and feels like she is living the life of a wealthy woman. However, when she and her husband return home, they realize that the necklace is missing. They search everywhere for it, but it is nowhere to be found. Desperate to replace the necklace, they borrow money from every source they can find and spend the next ten years working to pay off the debt.Finally, they are able to pay off the debt and buy a replacement necklace for Madame Forestier. When Mathilde sees Madame Forestier again, she confesses what happened and tells her that she lost the original necklace and had to borrow money to replace it. Madame Forestier is shocked and tells Mathilde that the original necklace was a fake and worth nothing.Mathilde is devastated by this news and realizes that she and her husband had wasted their lives and money on a worthless trinket. The story ends with Mathilde reflecting on the irony of her situation and the fact that she had been so foolish to think that material possessions could bring her happiness.
Themes
"The Necklace" explores several themes, including the dangers of materialism, the consequences of pride, and the importance of honesty. Mathilde's desire for material possessions leads her to borrow the necklace and ultimately causes her downfall. Her pride prevents her from admitting that she lost the necklace and causes her to lie and borrow money to replace it. The story shows that honesty is always the best policy and that the consequences of lying can be severe.
Setting
"The Necklace" is set in Paris in the late 19th century. The city is described as beautiful and luxurious, with elegant buildings, fashionable clothing, and elaborate parties. The setting contrasts sharply with Mathilde's lower-middle-class lifestyle, highlighting her dissatisfaction with her life and her desire for something more.
Writing Style
Guy de Maupassant was known for his concise writing style and his ability to create vivid and realistic characters. "The Necklace" is no exception, with its detailed descriptions of Mathilde's appearance and emotions, as well as its vivid portrayal of Parisian society. The story is also notable for its use of irony, which underscores the theme of the dangers of materialism.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of themes such as materialism, pride, and honesty make it a thought-provoking and engaging read, while its vivid setting and realistic characters bring the story to life. Whether you are a fan of French literature or simply looking for a great short story to read, "The Necklace" is sure to captivate and inspire you.
