The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Test
Introduction
The Necklace is a famous short story written by Guy De Maupassant in the late 19th century. It tells the story of a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her life and constantly dreams of a better one. When her husband gets an invitation to a fancy party, Mathilde borrows a beautiful necklace from her friend to wear to the event. However, things take a turn for the worse when she loses the necklace, leading to a downward spiral of events.
Characters
The story revolves around two main characters - Mathilde Loisel and her husband. Mathilde is a beautiful woman, but she is not content with her simple life. She longs for a more luxurious life and is constantly unhappy with what she has. Her husband, on the other hand, is a hardworking and loving man who cares deeply for his wife, but is unable to provide her with the lavish lifestyle she desires.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Mathilde's dissatisfaction with her life. She dreams of a more luxurious lifestyle and constantly complains about her financial situation. When her husband brings home an invitation to a fancy party, Mathilde is overjoyed, but quickly realizes she has nothing to wear. She borrows a beautiful necklace from her friend and attends the party, where she is the most beautiful woman in the room.
However, on her way home from the party, Mathilde realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband search frantically for it, but are unable to find it. They are forced to buy a new necklace to replace it, which puts them in debt for years. Mathilde is devastated by the loss of the necklace and the debt it causes, and spends the rest of her life working to repay it.
Themes
The Necklace explores several themes, including the danger of materialism, the importance of honesty, and the consequences of deceit. Mathilde's obsession with material possessions leads to her downfall, as she is unable to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Her dishonesty in losing the necklace and hiding it from her friend leads to a chain of events that ultimately ruins her life.
Symbolism
The necklace itself is a symbol of the dangers of materialism. It represents Mathilde's desire for a more luxurious life and her obsession with material possessions. The necklace also represents the consequences of deceit, as Mathilde's decision to lie about losing it leads to a series of events that ultimately ruins her life.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful short story that explores the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and to be honest in all our dealings. The story has stood the test of time and is still read and studied today, over a century after it was first published.
