The Necklace Setting Time And Place
Introduction
"The Necklace" is a short story by French writer Guy de Maupassant, first published in 1884. The story is set in Paris, France, in the late 19th century, and explores the themes of social mobility, status, and appearance.
The Time and Place
The story is set in Paris, France, in the late 19th century. This was a time of great change in France, with the country rapidly industrializing and modernizing. Paris was the center of French culture and society, and the city was undergoing significant changes as new buildings and infrastructure were constructed.
The story takes place over several years, beginning in 1860 and ending in 1880. During this time, France experienced significant political and social upheaval, including the Franco-Prussian War, the Paris Commune, and the Third Republic.
The Characters
The main character in the story is Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but discontented young woman who dreams of a life of luxury and wealth. Her husband, Monsieur Loisel, is a clerk in the Ministry of Education and is content with their modest life. Madame Forestier is a wealthy friend of Mathilde's who lends her a diamond necklace for a party.
The Plot
The story begins with Mathilde Loisel dreaming of a life of luxury and wealth. She is dissatisfied with her modest life and longs for more. When her husband brings home an invitation to a high society party, Mathilde is thrilled but realizes she has nothing to wear. She borrows a diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier and attends the party, where she is a great success. However, on returning home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace.
Mathilde and her husband search for the necklace but are unable to find it. They decide to replace it, and Monsieur Loisel takes out a large loan to buy a new diamond necklace. Mathilde returns the necklace to Madame Forestier, who does not realize that it is a replacement. The Loisels spend the next ten years paying off the loan, living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet.
The Theme
The main theme of the story is the danger of pride and the desire for social status. Mathilde's desire for a life of luxury and wealth leads her to borrow a necklace she cannot afford and ultimately to lose it. Her pride prevents her from telling Madame Forestier the truth about the lost necklace, leading to her and her husband's financial ruin.
The Message
The message of the story is that appearance and social status are not as important as honesty and contentment. Mathilde's desire for social status and her unwillingness to be honest about her mistake ultimately lead to her downfall. Monsieur Loisel, on the other hand, is content with their modest life and is able to find happiness despite their financial difficulties.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a timeless tale that explores the dangers of pride and the desire for social status. Set in Paris, France, in the late 19th century, the story is a commentary on the changing social and political landscape of France during this time. The story's message about the importance of honesty and contentment is as relevant today as it was when the story was first published.
