The Necklace Book By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, a French writer, published in 1884. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her simple life and longs for the luxuries of the upper class. When her husband brings home an invitation to a fancy ball, Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to the event, but the night ends in disaster when she loses the necklace.
Plot Summary
The story takes place in Paris in the late 19th century. Mathilde Loisel is a young woman from a poor family who has always dreamed of a life of luxury and elegance. She is married to a clerk, who is content with their simple life, but Mathilde is not satisfied.
One day, Mathilde's husband comes home with an invitation to a fancy ball being held by his employer, the Minister of Education. Mathilde is thrilled at the prospect of attending, but she has nothing appropriate to wear. She borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier and is the belle of the ball.
However, on the way home from the ball, Mathilde realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search for it but cannot find it. They decide to replace it with a new one, but it takes them ten years of hard work and poverty to pay off the debt they incur.
Themes
The Necklace explores several themes, including the dangers of materialism and vanity. Mathilde's desire for luxury and social status leads her to borrow the necklace, and her obsession with appearances causes her to hide the truth about its loss from Madame Forestier. Her actions have severe consequences for both herself and her husband.
The story also touches on the theme of honesty. If Mathilde had been honest about losing the necklace, the situation could have been resolved much more easily. Instead, her lack of honesty leads to years of hardship for her and her husband.
Style and Language
Guy de Maupassant's writing style is concise and clear, with a focus on character development and social commentary. His use of irony is particularly notable in The Necklace, as Mathilde's desire for luxury leads to her downfall.
The language used in the story is simple and accessible, making it an excellent choice for students and casual readers alike. The story is also relatively short, making it a quick read.
Legacy
The Necklace is considered one of Maupassant's most famous works and is still widely read and studied today. It has been adapted into several films and TV shows, and its influence can be seen in other works of literature that explore similar themes.
The story's popularity may be due in part to its timeless themes, as well as its relatable characters and engaging plot. The Necklace continues to be a beloved and influential work of literature, more than a century after its initial publication.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a timeless work of literature that explores the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Guy de Maupassant's clear writing style and engaging plot make it an enjoyable read, while its themes continue to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a student or a casual reader, The Necklace is a must-read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.