Symbolism In The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” is a short story that has been widely read and analyzed for its intricate and thought-provoking symbolism. The story follows Madame Loisel, a beautiful but discontented woman who longs for a life of luxury and wealth. However, when she borrows a necklace from a friend to wear to a party, she loses it and spends the next ten years of her life in poverty, working to pay off the debt she incurred to replace the necklace. In this article, we will explore the various symbols that Maupassant uses in the story and their significance.
The Necklace
The most obvious symbol in the story is the necklace itself. It represents Madame Loisel's desire for wealth and status, which ultimately leads to her downfall. The necklace is also a symbol of the superficiality of society, as it is only through the appearance of wealth and status that Madame Loisel is able to gain acceptance into high society.
Furthermore, the necklace is a symbol of the deceptive nature of appearances. Madame Loisel believes that the necklace is made of real diamonds and is worth a fortune, but it is later revealed that it is a fake, worth only a fraction of what she believed it to be. This reinforces the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that true value lies within.
The Dress
The dress that Madame Loisel wears to the party is another symbol of her desire for wealth and status. The description of the dress is lavish and extravagant, emphasizing the fact that Madame Loisel wants to be seen as wealthy and important. However, the dress also represents the temporary nature of material possessions. Madame Loisel's happiness is short-lived, as she loses the necklace and is forced to return to her life of poverty.
The Mirror
The mirror in Madame Loisel's bedroom is a symbol of her obsession with her appearance and her desire to be seen as beautiful. It also represents the contrast between her inner and outer selves. While Madame Loisel is beautiful on the outside, she is discontented and unhappy on the inside.
The Debt
The debt that Madame Loisel incurs to replace the necklace represents the consequences of her desire for wealth and status. It is a symbol of the price that she must pay for her vanity and the cost of trying to keep up appearances. The debt also represents the burden that Madame Loisel must carry for the next ten years of her life.
The Forest
The forest that Madame Loisel and her husband walk through after the party is a symbol of the natural world and the contrast between it and the artificiality of high society. In the forest, Madame Loisel feels free and happy, symbolizing the idea that true happiness comes from within and not from external appearances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Necklace” is a story that is rich in symbolism and offers a commentary on the superficiality of society and the dangers of vanity and materialism. The various symbols used in the story help to convey these themes and provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. By exploring the symbolism in “The Necklace,” readers can gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and depth of Maupassant’s writing.
