The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Irony
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884. The story is known for its ironic twist ending that has become a staple of modern literature. The story tells the tale of a young woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is discontented with her life and longs for something more. Mathilde's desire for wealth and status leads her down a path that ultimately leads to her downfall. In this article, we will explore the irony in "The Necklace" and its significance to the story.
Mathilde's Desire for Wealth and Status
The story begins by introducing us to Mathilde Loisel, a young woman who is unhappy with her life. She feels that she deserves more than she has and yearns for wealth and status. Mathilde is described as beautiful, charming, and graceful, but her lack of money and social status make her feel inferior to others. She longs to attend fancy parties and wear elegant clothing, but her husband cannot afford to provide her with such luxuries.
The Irony of the Necklace
Mathilde's desire for wealth and status leads her to borrow a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a fancy party. After the party, Mathilde realizes that she has lost the necklace and goes to great lengths to replace it. She and her husband go into debt to purchase a new necklace, only to find out years later that the original necklace was a fake and worth very little.
The irony in this story lies in Mathilde's pursuit of wealth and status. She believes that the diamond necklace will make her happy and help her fit in with the upper class, but in reality, it brings her nothing but misery. The necklace becomes a symbol of the trap that Mathilde has created for herself. She spends years of her life working to replace it, only to find out that it was worthless all along.
The Significance of Irony in "The Necklace"
The irony in "The Necklace" serves to highlight the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth and status. Mathilde's desire for these things blinds her to the happiness and contentment that is already present in her life. She becomes so focused on what she does not have that she fails to appreciate what she does have.
Furthermore, the irony in the story underscores the idea that appearances can be deceiving. The necklace appears to be a valuable and precious item, but in reality, it is worthless. The same can be said for Mathilde's desire for wealth and status. These things may seem important and desirable, but in reality, they can lead to unhappiness and dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a classic example of irony in literature. The story serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth and status. Mathilde's desire for these things blinds her to the happiness and contentment that is already present in her life. The irony in the story underscores the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that true happiness comes from within.