Freytag's Pyramid Of The Necklace
Freytag’s Pyramid is a model that represents the structure of a dramatic or literary work. It was introduced by German novelist and playwright Gustav Freytag in his book, "Die Technik des Dramas" (The Technique of the Drama) in 1863. The Pyramid is made up of five parts, each of which represents a different stage in the plot of a story. The Necklace is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant, which can be analyzed using Freytag’s Pyramid.
Exposition
The exposition is the first part of Freytag’s Pyramid. It sets the scene, introduces the characters, and provides the necessary background information. In The Necklace, the exposition takes place at the beginning of the story, where we learn about the main character Mathilde Loisel and her dissatisfaction with her life.
Rising Action
The rising action is the second part of Freytag’s Pyramid. It is the part of the story where the conflict begins to develop and the tension starts to rise. In The Necklace, the rising action takes place when Mathilde borrows a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier to wear to a party and loses it on her way home.
Climax
The climax is the third part of Freytag’s Pyramid. It is the turning point in the story where the conflict reaches its peak. In The Necklace, the climax occurs when Mathilde and her husband spend ten years paying off the debt they incurred to replace the lost necklace, only to find out that it was a fake and worth much less than they thought.
Falling Action
The falling action is the fourth part of Freytag’s Pyramid. It is the part of the story where the tension starts to ease and the conflict begins to resolve. In The Necklace, the falling action takes place when Mathilde has aged prematurely and lost her beauty, and Madame Forestier tells her that the necklace was a fake.
Resolution
The resolution is the final part of Freytag’s Pyramid. It is the part of the story where the conflict is resolved and the loose ends are tied up. In The Necklace, the resolution occurs when Mathilde and her husband realize that their hard work and sacrifice were for nothing, and Mathilde accepts her fate and becomes a hardworking woman.
In conclusion, Freytag’s Pyramid is a useful tool for analyzing the structure of a story. The Necklace is a perfect example of how Freytag’s Pyramid can be applied to a literary work. By understanding the different stages of the Pyramid, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the story and appreciate the author’s craft.
