The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Summary Pdf
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant. It was first published in the French literary magazine Le Gaulois on February 17, 1884. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel who dreams of a luxurious lifestyle but is trapped in poverty. She borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend to wear to a party but loses it, leading to a chain of events that changes her life forever. The Necklace is a powerful commentary on social class, wealth, and the illusion of happiness.
Summary
The story begins with an introduction to Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful and charming woman who is married to a clerk. Despite her good looks, Mathilde is unhappy because of her poverty. She dreams of a luxurious lifestyle but is trapped in a small apartment with limited resources. One day, Mathilde’s husband brings home an invitation to a grand ball hosted by the Ministry of Education. Mathilde is ecstatic but quickly realizes that she has nothing to wear.
Mathilde's husband suggests that she borrow some jewelry from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier. Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace and wears it to the party, where she is the center of attention. She dances with the most important men and enjoys the luxurious lifestyle she has always dreamed of. However, when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace.
Mathilde and her husband search everywhere for the necklace but cannot find it. They decide to buy a new one to replace it, ultimately leading to years of debt and poverty. Mathilde has to work hard to pay off the debt and loses her beauty and charm in the process. Ten years later, Mathilde meets Madame Forestier again and tells her the truth about the necklace. Madame Forestier is shocked and reveals that the necklace Mathilde borrowed was a fake, worth only a few francs.
Analysis
The Necklace is a powerful commentary on social class, wealth, and the illusion of happiness. The story highlights the theme of appearances versus reality. Mathilde is trapped in poverty but appears to be wealthy and glamorous at the party. The diamond necklace she borrows is a symbol of wealth and status, but it is ultimately revealed to be fake. The story also shows how greed and envy can lead to destruction. Mathilde's desire for a luxurious lifestyle causes her to borrow the necklace and ultimately leads to years of poverty and hard work.
Additionally, The Necklace comments on the role of women in society. Mathilde is a victim of her social class and gender. She is trapped in poverty and unable to fulfill her desires because of her gender. Women were expected to marry well and maintain their status, but Mathilde is unable to do so because of her poverty. The story shows the unfair treatment of women in society and how their opportunities were limited by their gender and social class.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful short story that comments on social class, wealth, and the illusion of happiness. It highlights the theme of appearances versus reality and shows how greed and envy can lead to destruction. The story also comments on the role of women in society and how their opportunities were limited by their gender and social class. The Necklace is a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the human condition.
