Conflict Of The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
The Plot
"The Necklace" is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, first published in the French newspaper Le Gaulois on February 17, 1884. The story revolves around Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful and charming woman who is unhappy with her simple, middle-class life. Mathilde is married to a clerk and dreams of a life of luxury and wealth.
One day, Mathilde's husband comes home with an invitation to a ball at the Ministry of Education. Mathilde is ecstatic about the prospect of attending the ball and being seen by high society. However, she is disappointed when she realizes that she has nothing to wear. Her husband suggests that she borrow a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier.
At the ball, Mathilde is the center of attention and enjoys herself immensely. However, when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband spend the next ten years of their lives in poverty, working to pay off the debt they incurred to buy a replacement necklace. It is only after they have paid off the debt that Mathilde learns that the necklace she lost was a fake and worth only a few francs.
The Theme
The primary theme of "The Necklace" is the danger of materialism and the importance of honesty. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads her to make poor decisions and ultimately destroys her life. She is dishonest with Madame Forestier about losing the necklace and spends years living a lie to maintain her image. In the end, Mathilde learns the value of honesty and the true meaning of happiness.
The Characters
The two main characters in "The Necklace" are Mathilde Loisel and her husband. Mathilde is a beautiful and charming woman who is unhappy with her simple life. She dreams of a life of luxury and wealth, but her obsession with material possessions leads her to make poor decisions that ultimately destroy her life. Mathilde's husband is a loving and devoted man who works hard to provide for his family. He is content with his simple life, but he loves his wife and wants her to be happy.
The Writing Style
Guy de Maupassant was known for his simple and direct writing style. He used realistic and vivid descriptions to bring his characters and settings to life. In "The Necklace," he uses this style to create a vivid portrait of Mathilde Loisel and her obsession with material possessions. The story is straightforward and easy to understand, but it also contains deeper themes and meanings that make it a timeless classic.
The Impact
"The Necklace" is one of the most famous short stories in the world. It is taught in schools and universities around the world and is considered a classic of French literature. The story's themes of materialism, honesty, and the dangers of obsession have resonated with readers for over a century. It has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and operas, and continues to be a popular and influential work of literature.
The Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a powerful and timeless story that explores the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Guy de Maupassant's simple and direct writing style creates a vivid portrait of Mathilde Loisel and her obsession with wealth and status. The story's themes have resonated with readers for over a century and continue to be relevant today. "The Necklace" is a classic of French literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the power of storytelling.
