The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Main Idea
The Plot of The Necklace
The Necklace is a short story by Guy De Maupassant. It was first published in 1884. The story is set in Paris in the late 19th century. It follows the life of a middle-class woman named Mathilde Loisel, who dreams of living a life of luxury and wealth. Mathilde is married to a clerk named Monsieur Loisel, who is content with their simple life.
One day, Mathilde receives an invitation to a fancy ball. She is excited but also worried that she has nothing to wear. Monsieur Loisel suggests that she borrow a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. Mathilde borrows the necklace and wears it to the ball, feeling beautiful and admired.
However, after the ball, Mathilde realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search for it but cannot find it. They decide to buy a replacement necklace, which they spend years paying off. Mathilde then spends the rest of her life working to pay off the debt, losing her beauty and youth in the process.
The Characters in The Necklace
The Necklace features only a few characters, but they are memorable and well-developed. The main character is Mathilde Loisel, who is portrayed as vain, selfish, and materialistic. She is obsessed with wealth and status, and she dreams of living a life of luxury.
Mathilde's husband, Monsieur Loisel, is the opposite of his wife. He is content with their modest life and does not care about material possessions. He loves Mathilde deeply and tries to make her happy, even if it means sacrificing his own desires.
Madame Forestier is Mathilde's friend who lends her the necklace. She is wealthy and elegant, and Mathilde is envious of her. Madame Forestier is not a major character, but she plays an important role in the story.
The Themes in The Necklace
The Necklace explores several themes that are still relevant today. One of the main themes is the danger of materialism. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and status leads to her downfall. She spends years working to pay off the debt for the lost necklace, losing her beauty and youth in the process.
The story also touches on the theme of appearance versus reality. Mathilde believes that she needs to look wealthy and elegant to be happy, but in reality, it is her inner qualities that matter. Monsieur Loisel loves Mathilde for who she is, not for her appearance or wealth.
The Necklace also explores the theme of the power of pride. Mathilde is too proud to admit that she has lost the necklace, and she would rather suffer for years than confess the truth. Her pride ultimately leads to her downfall.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful short story that explores the dangers of materialism, the power of pride, and the importance of inner qualities. The story is well-written and engaging, with memorable characters and a compelling plot. It is a timeless classic that still resonates with readers today.
