“The Necklace” is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant that explores the theme of social class and the dangers of materialism. The story follows the life of Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful woman born into a middle-class family who dreams of a life of luxury and elegance. When she borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a high-society event, her life takes a dramatic turn for the worse.
The story is an allegory for the dangers of materialism and the importance of being content with what one has. It serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of vanity and the pursuit of wealth and status. Through the character of Mathilde Loisel, Maupassant shows the reader the consequences of being consumed by material desires and the importance of appreciating the simple things in life.
The Life of Guy de Maupassant
Guy de Maupassant was a French writer born on August 5, 1850, in Normandy, France. He was the first son of Gustave de Maupassant and Laure Le Poittevin. His parents separated when he was 11 years old, and he was raised by his mother.
Maupassant’s early life was marked by tragedy. His mother suffered from a mental illness, and he himself began to show signs of mental instability in his later years. Despite these challenges, he went on to become one of the most celebrated writers of his time.
Maupassant’s writing career began in the 1880s, and he quickly gained a reputation for his keen observations of human nature. His stories often explored the darker side of human behavior, and he was known for his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.
Maupassant’s most famous work is “The Necklace,” a short story that has become a classic of French literature. The story explores themes of pride, envy, and the dangers of materialism. Maupassant’s writing style is characterized by his use of irony and his ability to create vivid, memorable characters.
Maupassant’s life was cut short by syphilis, which he contracted in his youth. He died on July 6, 1893, at the age of 42. Despite his short life, he left behind a rich legacy of literature that continues to be celebrated to this day.
Overview of ‘The Necklace’
“The Necklace” is a short story written by French author Guy de Maupassant. It was first published in 1884 and has since become one of his most popular works. The story follows the life of Mathilde Loisel, a young woman who is unhappy with her middle-class life and dreams of a lavish lifestyle.
Mathilde’s desire for wealth and status leads her to borrow a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a high-society event. However, she loses the necklace and spends years working to pay off the debt incurred by replacing it. In the end, she learns that the original necklace was actually a fake, making her years of hardship and sacrifice meaningless.
The story is often interpreted as an allegory for the dangers of materialism and the importance of being content with one’s own life. It also explores themes of social class, appearance versus reality, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Themes in ‘The Necklace’
In “The Necklace,” Guy de Maupassant explores several themes that are still relevant to modern society. One of the most prominent themes is the danger of greed and materialism. Mathilde Loisel, the protagonist, is consumed by her desire for wealth and status, which ultimately leads to her downfall.
Another theme that Maupassant explores is the power of appearance versus reality. Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from her friend to appear wealthy and fashionable at a ball, but she loses it and is forced to replace it. The necklace, which appears to be real, is actually a fake, highlighting the theme of deception.
The theme of social class and its impact on individuals is also present in the story. Mathilde is unhappy with her middle-class life and longs to be part of the upper class. Her desire for material possessions and status causes her to overlook the love and companionship of her husband.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Necklace’
The Symbolism of the Necklace
In ‘The Necklace’, Guy de Maupassant uses the necklace as a symbol of materialism and the dangers of being consumed by it. The necklace represents the desire for wealth and status, which Mathilde Loisel longs for but cannot attain. The necklace also symbolizes the deceptive nature of appearances, as it appears to be a valuable piece of jewelry but is actually made of fake jewels. This symbolizes how people often judge others based on their external appearance, without taking the time to look beneath the surface.
Materialism and Its Consequences
The theme of materialism is further explored through the consequences that Mathilde faces as a result of her desire for wealth and status. Mathilde’s desire for material possessions leads her to borrow the necklace from her friend, Madame Forestier, and ultimately lose it. This loss plunges Mathilde into poverty, forcing her to work hard for ten years to repay the debt. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of being content with what one has.
The Deceptive Nature of Appearances
Another allegorical element in ‘The Necklace’ is the deceptive nature of appearances. Mathilde’s desire for material possessions is driven by her desire to appear wealthy and important in the eyes of others. However, her appearance is deceiving, as she is actually poor and unhappy. The necklace also deceives those who see it, as it appears to be a valuable piece of jewelry but is actually made of fake jewels. The story reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that true happiness comes from within, rather than from material possessions or social status.
Character Analysis
Mathilde Loisel
Mathilde Loisel is the protagonist of “The Necklace”. She is a beautiful and charming woman who is unhappy with her life because she feels she deserves more. Mathilde is not content with her social status and is envious of the wealthy. She is also very materialistic and values appearance over substance. When she loses Madame Forestier’s necklace, she is consumed by the fear of being caught and the thought of having to pay for a new one. Mathilde’s character is a representation of the human desire for wealth and status.
Monsieur Loisel
Monsieur Loisel is Mathilde’s husband. He is a simple man who loves his wife and tries to make her happy. He is content with his life and does not understand Mathilde’s desire for luxury. When Mathilde loses the necklace, he sacrifices his own happiness to help her find it. Monsieur Loisel’s character is a representation of the selfless love that one can have for another.
Madame Forestier
Madame Forestier is a wealthy friend of Mathilde’s. She is generous and allows Mathilde to borrow her necklace for the party. Madame Forestier is unaware that the necklace is lost and is surprised when Mathilde offers to replace it. Madame Forestier’s character is a representation of the wealthy who are unaware of the struggles of the lower classes.
Literary Devices Used in ‘The Necklace’
Irony
One of the most prominent literary devices used in “The Necklace” is irony. The story is filled with examples of situational irony, where the opposite of what is expected occurs. For example, Mathilde Loisel is unhappy with her simple life and dreams of a more luxurious one, but when she finally gets the opportunity to attend a fancy event, she loses the borrowed necklace and must spend years working to repay the debt. The irony lies in the fact that her desire for wealth and status ultimately leads to her downfall.
Foreshadowing
Another literary device used in “The Necklace” is foreshadowing. Throughout the story, there are hints and clues that suggest Mathilde’s fate. For example, when she first borrows the necklace, she is warned by her friend that it is expensive and should be taken care of. This foreshadows the necklace’s eventual loss and the consequences that follow. Additionally, the description of Mathilde’s appearance before and after the event foreshadows the toll that her misfortune takes on her physical and emotional state.
Metaphors
Metaphors are also used in “The Necklace” to convey meaning and add depth to the story. One example is the metaphor of the necklace itself. It represents the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that material possessions do not bring true happiness. Another metaphor is the description of Mathilde’s life as a “cage.” This metaphor suggests that her desire for wealth and status has trapped her in a life that she does not truly want, and that she is unable to escape from the consequences of her actions.
Critical Reception of ‘The Necklace’
Guy de Maupassant’s short story ‘The Necklace’ has been widely praised for its exploration of social expectations and appearance versus reality. The story has been interpreted as an allegory for the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of personal happiness.
Critics have noted the skillful use of irony and the twist ending, which reveals the true value of the necklace and the cost of Mathilde’s desire for social status. Some have also commented on the vivid portrayal of Parisian society in the late 19th century and the limited opportunities available to women of the time.
Despite its acclaim, some have criticized the story for reinforcing gender stereotypes and perpetuating the idea that women should be content with their lot in life. However, others argue that the story is a critique of societal expectations and the limitations placed on women, rather than an endorsement of them.
Comparisons to Other Literary Works
“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is a short story that explores the theme of appearance versus reality. This theme is also present in other literary works, such as “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. In this beloved short story, a young couple sacrifices their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other on Christmas Eve, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of wealth.
As a work of realist fiction, “The Necklace” is stylistically similar to the major works of the realist movement, including several volumes of Honoré de Balzac’s Comédie humaine and Flaubert’s Madame Bovary. Flaubert’s influence is especially important given the role he played as a literary mentor to Maupassant.
In terms of its use of allegory, “The Necklace” is similar to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown.” Both stories use symbols to represent deeper meanings, with “The Necklace” using the necklace itself to symbolize the surface-level nature of social class and “Young Goodman Brown” using the woods to symbolize the darkness of human nature.
Teaching ‘The Necklace’
Discussion Questions
Teachers can use the following discussion questions to engage students in a conversation about the themes and symbols in “The Necklace.”
- How does the necklace serve as a symbol of wealth and status?
- Discuss the theme of appearance versus reality in the story.
- How does Mathilde’s desire for wealth and status lead to her downfall?
- What does the story reveal about the class structure and social mobility in 19th-century France?
- What is the significance of the final twist in the story?
Activities and Projects
Teachers can use the following activities and projects to help students explore the themes and symbols in “The Necklace.”
- Have students create a visual representation of the necklace, either through drawing or using materials such as beads or paper.
- Ask students to research the social and economic conditions in 19th-century France and compare them to the conditions in their own country.
- Have students write a sequel to the story, exploring what happens to Mathilde and her husband after the events of the story.
- Ask students to find examples of other literary works that explore the theme of appearance versus reality and compare them to “The Necklace.”
- Have students write a reflection on the dangers of materialism and the importance of being content with what one has.
Adaptations of ‘The Necklace’
‘The Necklace’ is a popular short story that has been adapted into various forms of media. One notable adaptation is the 1981 film version, which runs for 22 minutes and is distributed by Barr Entertainment. Another adaptation of ‘The Necklace’ was aired on American television on January 21, 1949, under the French title of ‘La Parure’.
Interestingly, the ending of the 1949 adaptation was changed to a happy one, which was more appealing to the producing advertiser. This change in the conclusion of the story raises questions about the original message that Guy de Maupassant was trying to convey in his story.
Apart from film adaptations, ‘The Necklace’ has also been adapted into other forms of media, such as stage plays and operas. These adaptations have helped to bring the story to a wider audience and to explore different interpretations of the story’s themes.