The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant Literary Analysis
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884. It tells the story of a middle-class woman named Mathilde Loisel, who dreams of a life of luxury and glamour. One day, her husband brings home an invitation to a fancy ball, and Mathilde borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to the event.
The Plot
The story takes place in Paris in the late 19th century. Mathilde Loisel is a pretty young woman with a modest background who marries a clerk. She is unhappy with her life because she feels that she is meant for a higher social status. When her husband brings home an invitation to a fancy ball, Mathilde is overjoyed but is disappointed when she realizes she has nothing to wear.
Her husband suggests that she borrow a piece of jewelry from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier. Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace, and she feels stunning at the ball. However, on her way back home, she realizes that the necklace is missing. The couple spends years paying back loans to buy a replacement necklace, only to learn that the original necklace was a fake.
The Theme
The Necklace is a story about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Mathilde Loisel is never satisfied with her life and always wants more. She believes that material possessions and a higher social status will bring her happiness. However, her quest for luxury ends up causing her more pain than pleasure.
Another theme of the story is the importance of honesty. If Mathilde had been honest with Madame Forestier about losing the necklace, she would have avoided years of financial hardship. However, she was too ashamed to admit the truth and ended up paying the price for her dishonesty.
The Writing Style
Guy de Maupassant's writing style in The Necklace is simple and direct. He uses vivid imagery to describe the characters and settings, making the story come to life. His use of irony and satire highlights the absurdity of Mathilde's desires and her obsession with material possessions.
The story is also notable for its surprise ending, which reveals the true nature of the necklace and the consequences of Mathilde's actions. This twist ending is a hallmark of Maupassant's writing and has made The Necklace a classic of short fiction.
The Characters
The main character of The Necklace is Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but unhappy woman who dreams of a life of luxury and glamour. She is obsessed with material possessions and social status, and her desire for these things leads her to make poor decisions.
Mathilde's husband, Monsieur Loisel, is a kind and loving man who tries to make his wife happy. He is content with his simple life but is willing to make sacrifices to please Mathilde. Madame Forestier, Mathilde's wealthy friend, is generous and kind but also somewhat distant from Mathilde.
The Significance
The Necklace is a timeless story that explores universal themes such as the dangers of materialism, the importance of honesty, and the consequences of our actions. It is a cautionary tale that warns us about the dangers of being too focused on material possessions and social status.
The story also highlights the importance of honesty and the consequences of lying. Mathilde's dishonesty about losing the necklace causes her and her husband years of hardship and financial struggle. The story shows us that honesty is always the best policy, even if it might be difficult or embarrassing.
The Conclusion
The Necklace is a classic short story that explores important themes and highlights the writing talents of Guy de Maupassant. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Despite its simple plot and direct writing style, The Necklace is a powerful story that has stood the test of time. It remains an important work of literature and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.