Conflict In The Story The Necklace
The story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant is a classic example of how a single event can change a person's life completely. The story revolves around Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful and charming woman who is married to a clerk in the Ministry of Education. Despite her good looks and intelligence, Mathilde is unhappy with her life because she feels that she deserves more than what she has.
"She was one of those pretty and charming girls born, as though fate had blundered over her, into a family of artisans. She had no dowry, no expectations, no means of becoming known, understood, loved, and wedded by a man of wealth and distinction; and so she let herself be married to a minor official at the Ministry of Education."
The conflict in the story begins when Mathilde is invited to attend a ball at the Ministry of Education. She is excited about the opportunity to live a life of luxury and elegance, but she is also worried that she does not have the appropriate attire to wear to such an event. Her husband suggests that she borrow a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier.
Man Vs. Society
The conflict in the story is primarily a man vs. society conflict. Mathilde is unhappy with her position in life and feels that she deserves more. She wants to be part of the upper class, but she is unable to do so because of her social status. She is limited by the expectations of society and the roles that women are expected to play.
"She was unhappy all the time… for she had no dresses, no jewels, nothing. And these were the only things she loved; she felt that she was made for them. She had longed so eagerly to charm, to be envied, to be desired and sought after."
Mathilde's desire to be accepted by society and her obsession with material possessions ultimately leads to her downfall. She borrows a necklace from Madame Forestier and loses it. She and her husband are forced to replace the necklace at great expense. The debt that they incur as a result of this incident leads to years of hardship and suffering for both Mathilde and her husband.
Man Vs. Self
The conflict in the story is also a man vs. self conflict. Mathilde is torn between her desire to be accepted by society and her love for her husband. She is unable to appreciate the simple pleasures in life because of her obsession with material possessions.
"She danced madly, wildly, drunk with pleasure, giving no thought to anything in the triumph of her beauty, in the glory of her success, in a sort of cloud of happiness made up of all this homage, admiration, these awakened desires, of this victory so complete and so sweet to a woman's heart."
Mathilde's obsession with material possessions causes her to make decisions that ultimately lead to her downfall. She is unable to appreciate the love and companionship that her husband offers her, and she is unable to find true happiness because of her obsession with material possessions.
Conclusion
The conflict in the story "The Necklace" is a complex one that involves both man vs. society and man vs. self. Mathilde's desire to be accepted by society and her obsession with material possessions ultimately lead to her downfall. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsessing over material possessions and the importance of appreciating the simple pleasures in life.
