The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Study Guide
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant. The story is set in Paris in the late 19th century and tells the story of Madame Loisel, a beautiful and charming young woman who is unhappy with her middle-class life. The story is a powerful critique of the social norms and expectations of the time, and it is still widely read and studied today.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Madame Loisel dreaming of a life of luxury and wealth. She is unhappy with her middle-class life and longs to be part of the upper class. One day, her husband comes home with an invitation to a fancy party. Madame Loisel is thrilled, but she realizes that she has nothing to wear. She borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from a wealthy friend and attends the party, where she is the belle of the ball. She has the time of her life, but when she returns home, she realizes that the necklace is missing.
Character Analysis
Madame Loisel is the main character in the story. She is beautiful and charming, but she is also unhappy with her middle-class life. She longs to be part of the upper class and is obsessed with material possessions. She is also selfish and ungrateful, as she does not appreciate her husband's love and devotion. Monsieur Loisel is Madame Loisel's husband. He is a kind and loving man who does everything he can to make his wife happy. He is patient and understanding, even when Madame Loisel loses the necklace. Madame Forestier is a wealthy friend of Madame Loisel who lends her the diamond necklace. She is kind and generous, but she is also somewhat aloof and distant.
Themes
The Necklace is a story about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Madame Loisel is obsessed with material possessions and is willing to go to great lengths to obtain them. Her obsession leads her to borrow a beautiful diamond necklace from a friend and to lie about losing it. The story also highlights the importance of honesty, as Madame Loisel's lie leads to years of hardship and suffering for her and her husband.
Symbols
The diamond necklace is the most important symbol in the story. It represents wealth, status, and power, all of which Madame Loisel desires. The necklace is also a symbol of the dangers of materialism, as Madame Loisel's obsession with the necklace leads to her downfall.
Style and Tone
The Necklace is written in a simple and direct style. The tone of the story is ironic and critical, as Maupassant uses the story to critique the social norms and expectations of the time. The story is also notable for its use of symbolism and its exploration of themes such as materialism and honesty.
Critical Analysis
The Necklace has been widely praised for its powerful critique of the social norms and expectations of the time. The story is also notable for its exploration of themes such as materialism and honesty. Maupassant's use of symbolism and his simple, direct style have also been praised by critics.
Teaching Guide
The Necklace is a powerful story that can be used to teach a variety of literary concepts and skills. Teachers can use the story to teach students about symbolism, theme, character development, and irony. The story can also be used to discuss the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful short story that is still widely read and studied today. The story's critique of the social norms and expectations of the time, its exploration of themes such as materialism and honesty, and its use of symbolism and simple, direct style have all contributed to its enduring popularity. Whether read for pleasure or as part of a literature class, The Necklace is a story that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
