The Point Of View Of The Necklace
"The Necklace", written by Guy de Maupassant, is a short story that has gained popularity over the years. It is a story that revolves around Madame Loisel, a woman who dreams of a luxurious life but is trapped in poverty. The story has a twist ending that leaves the reader in awe. The point of view of the story plays a significant role in understanding the plot and the characters. In this article, we will discuss the point of view of "The Necklace" and how it affects the story.
First Person Point of View
The story is written in the third-person point of view. However, the author uses a technique called "free indirect speech" to shift the point of view to Madame Loisel's thoughts and feelings. This technique makes the reader feel like they are inside Madame Loisel's head, experiencing her emotions and thoughts.
For instance, when Madame Loisel receives an invitation to a fancy party, the author writes, "She had no dress, no jewels, nothing. And she loved nothing but that. She felt made for that. She would have liked so much to please, to be envied, to be charming, to be sought after." This technique helps the reader understand Madame Loisel's character and motivations better.
Third Person Omniscient Point of View
The story is primarily written in the third-person omniscient point of view. This means that the narrator is not a character in the story but knows everything that is happening. The narrator can move from one character to another, revealing their thoughts and feelings.
This point of view helps the reader understand the characters' actions and motivations. For instance, when Madame Loisel borrows a necklace from her friend, the narrator mentions, "Madame Forestier went to a wardrobe with a mirror, took out a large jewel-box, brought it back, opened it, and said to Madame Loisel: 'Choose, my dear.'" The narrator's omniscience allows the reader to understand Madame Forestier's character and her relationship with Madame Loisel.
Third Person Limited Point of View
The story also uses the third-person limited point of view to describe Madame Loisel's character. This point of view allows the reader to see the world through Madame Loisel's eyes but does not reveal the thoughts and feelings of other characters.
For example, when Madame Loisel attends the party, the author writes, "She danced with rapture, with passion, intoxicated by pleasure, forgetting all in the triumph of her beauty, in the glory of her success, in a sort of cloud of happiness composed of all this homage, of all this admiration, of all these awakened desires, and of that sense of complete victory which is so sweet to a woman's heart." This point of view helps the reader understand Madame Loisel's transformation and how she becomes obsessed with her appearance and social status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the point of view of "The Necklace" plays a vital role in understanding the story's plot and characters. The use of the third-person omniscient point of view allows the reader to see the world through different characters' eyes, while the third-person limited point of view helps the reader understand Madame Loisel's character. The use of free indirect speech allows the reader to experience Madame Loisel's emotions and thoughts. Understanding the point of view of the story can help the reader appreciate the author's craft and the story's twist ending.
