Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Notes

The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant

Introduction

"The Necklace" is a short story by Guy De Maupassant, first published in the French newspaper "Le Gaulois" in 1884. It is one of the most popular and widely read short stories in the world, and has been translated into numerous languages. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel who is unhappy with her modest life and longs for a life of luxury and wealth. Her husband, a clerk, manages to get her an invitation to a ball at the Ministry of Education, but Mathilde is unhappy because she has nothing to wear. She borrows a diamond necklace from a friend, but loses it at the ball, leading to a series of events that change her life forever.

Guy De Maupassant

Main Characters

The story revolves around three main characters: Mathilde Loisel, her husband, and Madame Forestier. Mathilde Loisel is a beautiful woman who longs for a life of luxury and wealth. She is unhappy with her modest life and constantly dreams of a better life. Her husband is a clerk who tries hard to please her but can never seem to make her happy. Madame Forestier is a wealthy friend of Mathilde who lends her the diamond necklace that sets the story in motion.

Mathilde Loisel

The Necklace

The diamond necklace is the central symbol of the story. It represents wealth, luxury, and social status, which are all things that Mathilde desires. When Mathilde borrows the necklace from Madame Forestier, she feels like she has finally achieved her dream of being rich and fashionable. However, when she loses the necklace at the ball, her life is turned upside down. She and her husband spend years trying to pay for a replacement, only to find out that the original necklace was a fake.

Diamond Necklace

The Ball

The ball at the Ministry of Education is the event that sets the story in motion. Mathilde is invited to the ball and is thrilled at the prospect of attending such an exclusive event. However, she is unhappy because she has nothing to wear. Her husband manages to get her a new dress, but she still feels like she needs something more. That's when she borrows the diamond necklace from Madame Forestier. At the ball, Mathilde is the center of attention and feels like she has finally achieved her dream of being rich and fashionable. However, when she loses the necklace, everything falls apart.

Ministry Of Education

The Consequences

The consequences of losing the necklace are severe for Mathilde and her husband. They spend years trying to pay for a replacement, living in poverty and desperation. Mathilde becomes bitter and resentful of her husband, who works tirelessly to try and pay for the necklace. When they finally find out that the necklace was a fake, it is too late. Mathilde's dream of a better life is shattered, and she is left with nothing but regret and despair.

Poverty

The Theme

The main theme of "The Necklace" is the danger of greed and envy. Mathilde's desire for a life of luxury and wealth leads to her downfall. She is never satisfied with what she has and constantly dreams of something better. Her greed and envy blind her to the good things in her life, such as her loving husband and comfortable home. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of wanting more than what we need, and the consequences of our actions.

Money

The Writing Style

Guy De Maupassant's writing style is concise, clear, and unadorned. He uses simple language and short sentences to convey complex ideas and emotions. His prose is elegant and understated, with a focus on realism and naturalism. "The Necklace" is a prime example of his writing style, with its simple plot, realistic characters, and understated emotions. The story is a masterpiece of economy and precision, with every word carefully chosen for maximum impact.

Writing Style

The Importance

"The Necklace" is important because it is a classic example of short story writing. It is a masterclass in economy and precision, with every word carefully chosen for maximum impact. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and envy, and the consequences of our actions. It is a reminder that happiness cannot be bought with wealth or material possessions, and that true happiness comes from within. The story has been read and studied by generations of readers, and continues to be relevant today.

Importance

The Conclusion

"The Necklace" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and envy, and the consequences of our actions. Guy De Maupassant's writing style is concise, clear, and unadorned, with a focus on realism and naturalism. The story is a masterpiece of economy and precision, with every word carefully chosen for maximum impact. "The Necklace" is an important work of literature that should be read and studied by anyone who loves short stories.

Related video of The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Notes