The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Falling Action
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, published in 1884. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who dreams of wealth and luxury but lives a humble life. Mathilde's husband procures an invitation to a high-society ball, and Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from a friend to wear to the event. At the ball, Mathilde has the time of her life, but on returning home, she discovers that the necklace is missing. In a desperate attempt to replace the lost necklace, Mathilde and her husband go into debt, working for years to pay off the cost of the replacement necklace. Just when they are about to finish their payments, Mathilde runs into her friend, who reveals that the original necklace was a fake. The story's falling action follows Mathilde as she learns to accept the consequences of her actions and the realities of her life.
Mathilde's Descent
The falling action of "The Necklace" begins with Mathilde's realization that her dreams of wealth and luxury will never come true. After years of hard work and sacrifice, Mathilde and her husband have paid off the debt incurred by the lost necklace. Mathilde's beauty has faded, and she is no longer the young, charming woman she was at the ball. She is now a middle-aged housewife, resigned to a life of drudgery and hardship. The story's falling action traces Mathilde's descent from a vain and selfish woman to a humbler, more contented one.
Mathilde's Reflection
As Mathilde reflects on her life, she realizes that her unhappiness was largely self-inflicted. Her desire for wealth and status blinded her to the blessings of her humble life. She now understands that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in contentment and peace of mind. Mathilde's reflection is a crucial part of the story's falling action, as it marks her transition from a victim of circumstance to a more self-aware and thoughtful person.
Mathilde's Redemption
The final stage of the falling action sees Mathilde's redemption. After years of struggle and hardship, Mathilde has learned to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. She is no longer consumed by envy and ambition, but has found peace in her modest existence. Mathilde's redemption is symbolized by her decision to tell her friend the truth about the lost necklace. By revealing the truth, Mathilde frees herself from the burden of deceit and enters a new phase of her life, one marked by honesty and acceptance.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant is a powerful story about the dangers of greed and the importance of humility. The story's falling action shows how Mathilde's dreams of wealth and luxury lead her down a path of self-destruction, but also how she is able to find redemption through reflection and self-awareness. Maupassant's story is a timeless reminder that true happiness lies not in material possessions but in the quality of one's relationships and the acceptance of one's circumstances.
