Character Analysis The Necklace Mathilde Loisel
"The Necklace" is a short story by French writer Guy de Maupassant. It tells the story of Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful and ambitious young woman who dreams of a life of luxury and high society. Despite her humble origins and modest means, Mathilde longs to be rich and famous, and she resents her husband's lowly position as a clerk in the Ministry of Education.
The Character of Mathilde Loisel
Mathilde Loisel is a complex and multi-dimensional character. On the one hand, she is a sympathetic figure, as her dreams and desires are understandable and relatable. She longs for a better life and resents the limitations imposed on her by her social class and gender.
On the other hand, Mathilde is also a flawed and selfish character. She is obsessed with material possessions and social status, and she is willing to deceive and manipulate others to get what she wants. She is also ungrateful and entitled, failing to appreciate the love and sacrifices of her husband.
Overall, Mathilde is a tragic figure, as her greed and vanity lead to her downfall and misery.
The Necklace
The titular necklace is a symbol of Mathilde's obsession with material possessions and social status. When her husband brings home an invitation to a fancy ball, Mathilde is overjoyed at the thought of finally being able to mingle with high society. However, she feels that she cannot attend the ball without a beautiful dress and jewelry.
Mathilde borrows a stunning diamond necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier, believing that it will make her look like a true aristocrat. However, at the ball, Mathilde loses the necklace, sending her into a spiral of despair and deceit.
The Themes of "The Necklace"
"The Necklace" explores several important themes, including the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty and humility. The story cautions against the pursuit of wealth and status at the expense of one's integrity and happiness. It also highlights the value of honesty and gratitude, as Mathilde's lies and ingratitude ultimately lead to her downfall.
The Ending of "The Necklace"
The ending of "The Necklace" is ironic and poignant. After years of hard work and sacrifice, Mathilde and her husband finally manage to repay the debt incurred by the lost necklace. However, Mathilde is no longer the beautiful and youthful woman she once was, and her dreams of social status and luxury have been shattered.
The final twist of the story reveals that the necklace Mathilde lost was actually a fake, worth only a fraction of the price she had believed. This revelation underscores the theme of the story, as it shows that Mathilde's obsession with material possessions and social status was ultimately based on a false and empty ideal.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a powerful and timeless story that explores the complexities of human nature and the dangers of ambition and greed. Mathilde Loisel is a tragic and complex character who embodies both the dreams and the flaws of humanity. Through her story, we are reminded of the importance of honesty, humility, and gratitude, and the dangers of materialism and deceit.
