The Necklace Short Story By Guy De Maupassant
Guy de Maupassant is a prominent French author who has written several literary works that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. One of his most famous works is the short story titled "The Necklace." This story has been widely recognized and appreciated due to its powerful message and relatable characters.
The Plot
"The Necklace" is a story that revolves around a middle-class woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her life. Mathilde is dissatisfied with her financial status and always dreams of living a luxurious life. One day, her husband brings home an invitation to attend a grand ball held by the Ministry of Education. Mathilde becomes excited about the prospect of attending the ball but is disappointed when she realizes that she has nothing to wear.
Mathilde's husband uses his savings to buy her a dress, but she still feels incomplete without any jewelry. She borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend, Madame Forestier. Mathilde goes to the ball, and her beauty and elegance make her the center of attention. She enjoys the night so much that she forgets about her worries and enjoys herself thoroughly.
However, her happiness is short-lived as she realizes that she has lost the necklace while returning home. Mathilde and her husband struggle to find a way to replace the necklace but are unsuccessful. They decide to purchase a new diamond necklace and return it to Madame Forestier without revealing the truth. The couple works tirelessly for ten years to repay the debt they incurred from buying the necklace.
The Message
The story of "The Necklace" highlights the dangers of materialism and the consequences of desire. Mathilde's obsession with wealth and luxury leads her to poverty, and she spends a decade of her life working to repay the debt she incurred. The story also shows the importance of honesty and integrity. Mathilde and her husband could have been honest with Madame Forestier and explained the situation, but they chose to lie and deceive her. This decision had severe consequences that affected their lives for years.
The Characters
The story of "The Necklace" has several characters that play significant roles in the plot. Mathilde is the protagonist, and her husband is the supporting character who tries to make her happy. Madame Forestier is the wealthy friend who lends Mathilde the necklace, and the jeweler is the person who sells them the replacement necklace.
Mathilde is a relatable character as many people can identify with her desire for material possessions. Her character development is also significant as she transforms from an unhappy woman to someone who is content with her life, albeit after a long struggle. Madame Forestier's character is also crucial as she represents the wealth and luxury that Mathilde desires.
The Writing Style
Guy de Maupassant's writing style is known for its simplicity and clarity. His works are easy to understand, and the language is accessible to all readers. In "The Necklace," he has used this style to convey a powerful message that resonates with everyone. The story is written in the third person, and the descriptions are vivid, making the reader feel a part of the story.
The Reception
"The Necklace" has been widely acclaimed by readers and critics alike. The story has been translated into several languages and is taught in schools worldwide. The story's message and relatable characters have made it a timeless classic that people can identify with even today.
Conclusion
"The Necklace" is a story that teaches us about the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty and integrity. The story's relatable characters and powerful message have made it a classic that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
