The Necklace And Other Short Stories
Introduction
The Necklace And Other Short Stories is a collection of short stories written by French author Guy de Maupassant. First published in 1884, the book features some of Maupassant's most famous works, including "The Necklace," "The Piece of String," and "The Horla."
The Necklace
"The Necklace" is perhaps Maupassant's most famous short story. It tells the story of a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a fancy party. After losing the necklace, Mathilde and her husband spend years working to replace it, only to find out that the original necklace was fake.
The Piece of String
"The Piece of String" is a story about a man named Maitre Hauchecorne who is falsely accused of stealing a piece of string. Despite his protests of innocence, the townspeople refuse to believe him, and he becomes a social outcast.
The Horla
"The Horla" is a horror story about a man who becomes convinced that an invisible creature called the Horla is haunting him. As the story progresses, the man becomes more and more paranoid, leading to a chilling conclusion.
Other Stories
In addition to these three stories, The Necklace And Other Short Stories includes over a dozen other tales by Maupassant. These stories cover a wide range of genres, including romance, comedy, and tragedy.
Themes
One of the recurrent themes in Maupassant's stories is the idea that appearances can be deceiving. This is evident in "The Necklace," where the seemingly wealthy Madame Loisel turns out to be living in poverty. It is also present in "The Piece of String," where Maitre Hauchecorne is wrongly accused of theft because of his social status.
Another theme that runs through many of Maupassant's stories is the fragility of human happiness. Characters often find themselves in situations where their happiness is threatened, whether by poverty, illness, or other external factors.
Writing Style
Maupassant is known for his concise, precise writing style. His stories are often told in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner, with little embellishment or sentimentality. This style allows him to pack a lot of meaning into a few pages, making his stories both engaging and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
The Necklace And Other Short Stories is a must-read for fans of classic literature. With its engaging stories, complex themes, and concise writing style, it is a testament to the talent of one of France's greatest writers.
