The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Full Text
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story by French writer Guy de Maupassant. It was first published in the French newspaper Le Gaulois in 1884 and has since become one of Maupassant's most popular and widely read works. The story is known for its twist ending and commentary on the social and economic conditions of late 19th-century Parisian society.
Summary
The story follows the life of a young woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is married to a clerk in the Ministry of Education. Despite her comfortable life, Mathilde is unhappy with her social status and longs to be part of the wealthy upper class. One day, her husband brings home an invitation to a high-society ball, and Mathilde is thrilled at the opportunity to dress up and mingle with the rich and famous.
However, Mathilde is distraught when she realizes that she has no suitable attire for the occasion. Her husband suggests that she borrow a necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier, and Mathilde is overjoyed at the prospect of wearing such a beautiful piece of jewelry. The night of the ball is a success for Mathilde, and she is the center of attention among the guests.
But Mathilde's joy is short-lived when she discovers that the necklace has gone missing. Frantic, she and her husband search for the necklace, but it is nowhere to be found. After several days of searching, they realize that they must replace the necklace, and they take out loans and borrow money to do so.
Years later, Mathilde runs into Madame Forestier and confesses to her the truth about the lost necklace. Madame Forestier reveals that the necklace was actually a fake, worth only a fraction of what Mathilde and her husband had paid to replace it. Mathilde is devastated, realizing that her entire life has been ruined by a piece of costume jewelry.
Analysis
The Necklace is often interpreted as a critique of the materialistic and superficial nature of Parisian society in the late 19th century. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads her to make poor decisions and ultimately destroys her life. The story also highlights the theme of appearances versus reality, as the necklace that Mathilde covets turns out to be a fake, while her simple life with her husband is actually worth more than she realizes.
Quotes
"She was one of those pretty and charming women, born as if by an error of fate into a family of clerks and copyists."
"All at once she discovered, in a black satin case, a superb diamond necklace; her heart began to beat covetously."
"How little is needed for one to be ruined or saved."
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful and thought-provoking story that continues to resonate with readers today. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of materialism and the importance of appreciating what we have in life. Maupassant's skillful writing and masterful storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature.
