The Necklace And Other Stories Maupassant For Modern Times
Introduction
French writer Guy de Maupassant's book "The Necklace and Other Stories" has been a timeless classic for ages. The book contains several short stories that reflect the author's views on society, human nature, and the complexities of life. Even though the stories were written in the 19th century, they still resonate with readers in modern times. In this article, we will explore why these stories are still relevant today.
The Necklace
The Necklace is perhaps the most famous story in the book, and it tells the tale of Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but discontented young woman who longs for a life of luxury and wealth. She borrows a necklace from a friend to wear to a ball, but loses it on her way home. In order to replace the necklace, she and her husband have to go into debt and work hard for years. In the end, they find out that the necklace was actually a fake, and all their hard work was for nothing.
Madame Tellier's Establishment
This story is about the daily life of a group of prostitutes who work in Madame Tellier's establishment. The story explores the themes of love, relationships, and social status. It shows how even people who are considered outcasts by society still have the same desires and emotions as everyone else.
The Horla
The Horla is a horror story that explores the theme of madness. The narrator starts experiencing strange occurrences in his home, and he becomes convinced that an invisible being is tormenting him. As the story progresses, the narrator's mental state deteriorates, and he becomes more and more isolated from the outside world.
Boule de Suif
Boule de Suif is a story about a group of people who are traveling on a stagecoach during the Franco-Prussian War. The group includes a prostitute named Boule de Suif, who is initially shunned by the other passengers. However, as the journey continues, Boule de Suif proves to be the most compassionate and generous person on the coach, and she eventually gains the respect of her fellow travelers.
The Jewelry
The Jewelry is a story about a young man named Lantin, who marries a woman who he believes to be virtuous and pure. However, after his wife dies, Lantin discovers that she had been leading a secret life of luxury and extravagance. He becomes obsessed with the jewelry that she had acquired, and he eventually sells it off to support his own lavish lifestyle. However, the jewelry turns out to be fake, and Lantin is left with nothing.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the stories contained in "The Necklace and Other Stories" by Guy de Maupassant. Each story offers a unique perspective on life and human nature, and they continue to be relevant to readers in modern times. Whether you're interested in the complexities of human relationships, the horror of the unknown, or the consequences of greed, there's something in this book for everyone.
