The Necklace Discussion Questions And Answers
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story written by the French writer Guy de Maupassant. It was first published in 1884 and has since become one of the most widely read and anthologized works of French literature. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel who borrows a necklace from a friend to wear to a high-society party. When she loses the necklace, she and her husband spend years working to pay off the debt incurred by buying a replacement. The story raises questions about the nature of happiness, the importance of appearances, and the consequences of deceit.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the significance of the title "The Necklace"? 2. What is the role of appearance in the story?3. How does Mathilde's desire for wealth and status affect her life?4. What is the significance of the party invitation for Mathilde?5. How does Mathilde's husband contribute to her problems?6. What does the necklace represent?7. What is the role of deception in the story?8. How does the story comment on the nature of happiness?9. What is the significance of the ending?10. What is the story's message?
Answers
1. The necklace is a symbol of wealth and social status. It represents the life that Mathilde desires but cannot have.2. Appearance is a central theme in the story. Mathilde is obsessed with looking wealthy and fashionable, and she is deeply unhappy when she is not able to achieve this.3. Mathilde's desire for wealth and status leads to her downfall. She is never satisfied with what she has and is always striving for more.4. The party invitation is a symbol of the life that Mathilde desires. It represents the opportunity to be part of high society and to be admired by others.5. Mathilde's husband is a kind and loving man, but he is not able to provide the life that Mathilde desires. His lack of wealth and status is a source of shame for Mathilde.6. The necklace represents the illusion of wealth and status. It is a fake, just as Mathilde's appearance of wealth is a fake.7. Deception is a key theme in the story. Mathilde deceives her friend by losing the necklace and then replacing it without telling her. She also deceives herself by believing that she can achieve a life of wealth and status.8. The story suggests that true happiness cannot be found through material possessions or social status. Mathilde's obsession with these things leads to her downfall and her eventual realization that she has been foolish.9. The ending is ironic in that Mathilde discovers that the necklace she has spent years paying off was actually a fake. This reinforces the theme of appearance versus reality.10. The story's message is that true happiness cannot be found through material possessions or social status. It is only through accepting oneself and finding contentment in what one has that true happiness can be achieved.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a classic short story that raises important questions about the nature of happiness, the importance of appearances, and the consequences of deceit. By exploring these themes through the story of Mathilde Loisel, Guy de Maupassant offers readers a powerful commentary on the human condition. Whether you are reading the story for the first time or revisiting it after many years, the discussion questions and answers provided here can help you gain a deeper understanding of this timeless work of literature.
