Reading Questions For The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884. It is a tale of greed, vanity, and the dangers of social climbing. The story revolves around Madame Loisel, a beautiful but discontented woman who longs to be part of the upper class. She borrows a stunning necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a fancy ball, but loses it that same night. In order to replace the necklace, she and her husband spend years working to pay off the debt. This story is a classic example of the irony and twist endings that Maupassant is known for.
Questions For Discussion
1. What is Madame Loisel's personality like? How does it contribute to her downfall?
2. What is the significance of the necklace in the story?
3. How does Madame Loisel react when she loses the necklace? What does this tell us about her character?
4. Describe Madame Loisel's husband. How does he contribute to the story?
5. How does Madame Loisel's life change after losing the necklace?
6. What is the twist ending of the story? How does it tie up the plot?
7. What is the moral of the story? How can we apply it to our own lives?
Analysis
"The Necklace" is a story that is rich in symbolism and irony. The necklace itself is a symbol of Madame Loisel's desire to be part of the upper class, and her downfall when she loses it. The fact that the necklace is fake is ironic, as Madame Loisel believes it to be real and is willing to go into debt to replace it.
The story also highlights the dangers of social climbing and the importance of being content with what we have. Madame Loisel's discontentment leads her down a path of debt and misery, while her friend who loaned her the necklace is content with her own station in life.
The twist ending of the story is also a hallmark of Maupassant's style. The fact that the necklace was not real and that Madame Loisel's suffering was all for naught is a stark reminder that sometimes the things we desire most are not worth the cost.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a classic short story that is still relevant today. Its themes of greed, vanity, and the dangers of social climbing are timeless, and the twist ending still manages to surprise readers. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of being discontent with our own lives and always wanting more. It reminds us that sometimes the things we desire most are not worth the cost, and that true happiness can only be found by being content with what we have.
