The Necklace Written By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant. It was first published in the French newspaper Le Gaulois on February 17, 1884. The story is set in Paris during the late 19th century and follows the life of a middle-class woman named Mathilde Loisel.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Mathilde Loisel, a young woman who is unhappy with her life. She dreams of living a life filled with luxury and wealth, but her modest middle-class lifestyle does not allow her to do so. One day, her husband comes home with an invitation to a high-society ball. Mathilde is thrilled at the opportunity to wear a beautiful gown and mingle with the wealthy elite.
However, Mathilde realizes that she does not have any jewelry to wear with her gown. Desperate to fit in, she borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier. At the ball, Mathilde is the center of attention and enjoys herself immensely. However, on her way home, she realizes that she has lost the necklace.
Mathilde and her husband spend the next ten years of their lives in poverty, working hard to pay off the debt they incurred to replace the necklace. It is not until Mathilde runs into Madame Forestier on the street that she learns the truth about the necklace. Madame Forestier reveals that the necklace was a fake and worth nothing.
Themes
The Necklace explores the themes of pride, materialism, and the consequences of deception. Mathilde's pride and desire for material possessions ultimately lead to her downfall. Her decision to borrow the necklace in order to fit in at the ball is a deceptive act that leads to years of hardship for her and her husband.
Symbolism
The necklace itself serves as a symbol for the dangers of materialism and the consequences of deception. Mathilde's desire for the necklace represents her desire for material possessions and the life she wishes to live. However, the necklace also serves as a reminder of the deception that led to her downfall.
Style and Language
Guy De Maupassant's writing style is characterized by his use of irony and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple, direct language. The Necklace is written in a straightforward, descriptive style that allows the reader to vividly imagine the setting and characters.
Impact and Legacy
The Necklace is considered one of Guy De Maupassant's most famous works and has been adapted into numerous plays, films, and television shows. The story's universal themes and timeless message continue to resonate with readers around the world.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a powerful tale that explores the dangers of pride, materialism, and deception. Guy De Maupassant's simple yet effective writing style and his ability to convey complex emotions through straightforward language have made this story a timeless classic.
