The Necklace Story By Guy De Maupassant
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant, a French writer. It was first published in 1884, and it has become one of the most popular short stories in the world. It is also considered as one of the best examples of the short story genre.
The Plot
The story is set in Paris, France, in the late 19th century. The main character is Madame Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful woman who is married to a clerk in the Ministry of Education. Madame Loisel is not happy with her life because she thinks she deserves more. She is not satisfied with her modest lifestyle and dreams of a luxurious and glamorous life.
One day, Madame Loisel's husband receives an invitation to a fancy ball at the Ministry of Education. Madame Loisel is excited about the invitation but is disappointed because she has nothing luxurious to wear. Madame Loisel's husband offers to buy her a new dress, but she insists on having a necklace to complete her outfit. Madame Loisel borrows a necklace from her friend, Madame Forestier, without telling her husband.
The night of the ball arrives, and Madame Loisel is the center of attention. She feels like a queen and enjoys the glamorous life she has always dreamed of. However, when she returns home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. Madame Loisel and her husband search for the necklace but cannot find it. They decide to replace it, and they spend all their savings and borrow money to buy a new necklace identical to the lost one.
For the next ten years, Madame Loisel and her husband live in poverty to pay off their debt. They move to a smaller apartment, and Madame Loisel works hard to repay the debt. One day, Madame Loisel meets Madame Forestier, and she tells her that the necklace she borrowed was not real diamonds but fake ones. Madame Loisel is shocked and devastated. She realizes that her life has been ruined because of her desire for a luxurious life.
The Themes
The Necklace is a story with several themes. One of the main themes is the danger of materialism. Madame Loisel is obsessed with material possessions, and she thinks that they are the key to happiness. Her desire for a luxurious life leads to her downfall.
Another theme is the importance of honesty. Madame Loisel's dishonesty leads to her suffering. She borrows a necklace without telling her friend, and she replaces it with a fake one without telling her friend. Madame Loisel's dishonesty causes her a lot of pain and misery.
The Writing Style
Guy De Maupassant's writing style is simple and straightforward. He uses simple language to convey complex ideas. His writing is also descriptive and vivid. He paints a clear picture of the characters and the settings, which makes it easy for the readers to imagine the story in their minds.
De Maupassant's writing style is also characterized by his use of irony. In The Necklace, he uses irony to highlight the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. Madame Loisel's desire for a luxurious life leads to her downfall, and her dishonesty causes her a lot of pain and misery.
The Impact
The Necklace has had a significant impact on the literary world. It is considered as one of the best examples of the short story genre. The story has been translated into several languages and has been adapted into films, plays, and operas.
The Necklace has also influenced other writers. It has inspired several writers to write short stories that explore the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. The story has also become a favorite among readers, who appreciate its simple yet powerful message.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a timeless classic that explores the dangers of materialism and the importance of honesty. It is a story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Guy De Maupassant's simple yet powerful writing style makes it easy for the readers to connect with the story and its characters. The Necklace is a must-read for anyone who loves literature and wants to explore the complexities of human nature.
