The Plot Of The Necklace By Guy De Maupassant
Introduction
The Necklace is a short story written by Guy De Maupassant in the late 19th century. It is one of his most famous works and is considered a masterpiece of the short story genre. The story is about a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her life and dreams of a more luxurious lifestyle. The Necklace is a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and greed.
Setting
The story is set in Paris, France in the late 19th century. The setting is important to the story because it is a time of great social and economic change in France. The city is undergoing a transformation, with new buildings and modernization. This setting provides a backdrop for Mathilde's desires for a more luxurious lifestyle.
Characters
The main character in the story is Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but discontented woman who dreams of a more luxurious life. Her husband, Monsieur Loisel, is a clerk in the Ministry of Education and is content with their modest lifestyle. Madame Forestier, Mathilde's wealthy friend, plays a pivotal role in the story.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Mathilde Loisel unhappy with her life, dreaming of a more luxurious lifestyle. She is invited to a ball but does not have a suitable dress or jewelry. Her husband agrees to give her money to buy a dress, but she insists that she also needs jewelry. Madame Forestier lends Mathilde a diamond necklace, which Mathilde wears to the ball and is the center of attention.
After the ball, Mathilde realizes that she has lost the necklace. She and her husband spend the next ten years paying off the debt they incurred to buy a replacement necklace. When they finally pay off the debt, Mathilde runs into Madame Forestier and tells her the story of the lost necklace. Madame Forestier is shocked and reveals that the necklace she lent Mathilde was a fake, worth only a few francs.
Themes
The Necklace explores several themes, including the dangers of vanity and greed, the importance of honesty, and the consequences of one's actions. Mathilde's desire for a more luxurious lifestyle leads her to borrow a necklace that she cannot afford to replace, leading to years of debt and hardship for her and her husband.
Symbolism
The diamond necklace is a symbol of wealth and luxury, and Mathilde's desire for it represents her desire for a more luxurious lifestyle. The necklace also symbolizes the dangers of vanity and greed, as Mathilde's desire for the necklace leads to her downfall.
Style and Tone
The Necklace is written in a straightforward style, with a tone that is both ironic and sympathetic. The story is told from a third-person point of view, which allows the reader to see Mathilde's actions and their consequences objectively.
Conclusion
The Necklace is a timeless story that explores the dangers of vanity and greed. Mathilde's desire for a more luxurious lifestyle leads to her downfall, and the story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who desires what they cannot afford. The story is a masterpiece of the short story genre and continues to be read and studied to this day.
