The Necklace Analysis by Guy de Maupassant

“The Necklace” is a famous short story written by French author Guy de Maupassant. Published in 1884, this tale has captured readers’ hearts and minds for over a century. It tells the story of a woman named Mathilde Loisel, whose desire for luxury and status leads to a life-changing mistake. Through this story, Maupassant explores themes of pride, appearances, and the consequences of our choices.

About the Author

Who was Guy de Maupassant?

Guy de Maupassant was a French writer who lived from 1850 to 1893. He’s known for his short stories, which often show a slice of life in 19th-century France. Maupassant had a talent for creating characters that felt real and situations that made readers think about their own lives.

Maupassant’s Writing Style

Maupassant wrote in a style called “realism.” This means he tried to show life as it really was, without making things prettier or more dramatic than they actually were. He was great at describing people and places in a way that made readers feel like they were right there in the story.

Plot Summary

The Beginning: Mathilde’s Dissatisfaction

The story starts by introducing us to Mathilde Loisel, a pretty young woman who’s married to a clerk named Charles. Mathilde isn’t happy with her life. She thinks she deserves better things – fancy clothes, jewels, and a big house. Even though her husband tries his best to make her happy, Mathilde always wants more.

The Invitation

One day, Mathilde’s husband comes home with a surprise – an invitation to a fancy party at the Ministry of Education. Instead of being excited, Mathilde gets upset. She says she has nothing nice to wear and refuses to go. To make her happy, her husband gives her money to buy a new dress.

The Necklace

Mathilde buys a beautiful dress, but she still isn’t satisfied. She tells her husband she needs jewelry to go with it. He suggests she borrow something from her rich friend, Madame Forestier. Mathilde visits her friend and chooses a stunning diamond necklace.

The Party

At the party, Mathilde has the time of her life. She dances, laughs, and feels like she finally fits in with the wealthy crowd. She’s the belle of the ball, and everyone admires her.

The Loss

When Mathilde and her husband get home, she realizes in horror that the necklace is gone. They search everywhere, but it’s nowhere to be found. Panic sets in as they realize they must replace the lost necklace.

The Replacement

The couple spends the next week searching for a necklace that looks exactly like the one Mathilde lost. They finally find one, but it costs 36,000 francs – an enormous sum of money. They borrow from everyone they know and make huge sacrifices to buy the replacement necklace.

Years of Hardship

Mathilde returns the necklace to Madame Forestier without telling her what happened. Then, she and her husband begin a life of extreme poverty to pay off their debts. They move to a tiny apartment, dismiss their maid, and both take on extra work. Mathilde’s beauty fades as she does hard labor and pinches every penny.

The Twist

Ten years later, Mathilde runs into Madame Forestier on the street. She looks so different that her old friend doesn’t recognize her at first. When Mathilde explains what happened with the necklace, Madame Forestier is shocked. She reveals that the original necklace was just costume jewelry, worth only about 500 francs.

Main Characters

Mathilde Loisel

Mathilde is the main character of the story. She’s a pretty young woman who feels she was born for a life of luxury. Some key points about Mathilde:

• She’s unhappy with her middle-class life and constantly dreams of wealth and status.
• Her desire for nice things leads her to borrow the necklace that changes her life.
• She’s willing to work hard and sacrifice everything to pay for her mistake.

Example: Mathilde’s dissatisfaction is clear when she looks at her simple home: “She suffered intensely, feeling herself born for every delicacy and luxury. She suffered from the poverty of her dwelling, from the worn walls, the abraded chairs, the ugliness of the stuffs.”

Monsieur Loisel

Monsieur Loisel is Mathilde’s husband. He’s a kind and hardworking man who wants to make his wife happy. Some important things about him:

• He’s content with his life as a clerk and doesn’t share Mathilde’s desire for luxury.
• He makes sacrifices to please Mathilde, like giving up his savings for her party dress.
• He works alongside Mathilde to pay off their debt, showing his loyalty and dedication.

Example: When Mathilde is upset about not having jewelry for the party, Monsieur Loisel suggests a solution: “You might wear natural flowers. It’s very stylish at this time of the year. For ten francs you can get two or three magnificent roses.”

Madame Forestier

Madame Forestier is Mathilde’s wealthy friend who lends her the necklace. We don’t see much of her in the story, but she plays a crucial role:

• She represents the wealthy lifestyle Mathilde desires.
• She’s generous in lending Mathilde the necklace.
• She reveals the truth about the necklace at the end of the story.

Example: When Mathilde returns the necklace, Madame Forestier doesn’t even open the case, showing how little the jewelry means to her: “She did not open the case, which irritated Madame Loisel, who feared that Madame Forestier would perceive the substitution.”

Themes

The Danger of Appearances

One of the main themes in “The Necklace” is how misleading appearances can be. This theme shows up in several ways:

1. Mathilde’s obsession with looking wealthy: She cares more about seeming rich than actually being happy or content.
2. The necklace itself: It looks valuable but is actually fake, symbolizing how things aren’t always what they seem.
3. Mathilde’s transformation: By the end of the story, she looks poor and worn, but she has gained inner strength and character.

Example: The description of the necklace shows how appearances can deceive: “She saw first of all some bracelets, then a pearl necklace, then a Venetian cross, gold and precious stones of admirable workmanship. She tried on the ornaments before the glass, hesitated, could not make up her mind to part with them, to give them back.”

The Cost of Pride

Pride is another major theme in the story. Mathilde’s pride leads to her downfall:

1. She’s too proud to admit her true social status, which leads her to borrow the necklace.
2. Her pride prevents her from telling Madame Forestier about losing the necklace.
3. Even after years of hardship, she’s proud enough to approach Madame Forestier and tell her the whole story.

Example: Mathilde’s pride is evident when she first receives the party invitation: “Instead of being delighted, as her husband hoped, she threw the invitation on the table with disdain, murmuring: ‘What do you want me to do with that?'”

The Randomness of Fate

The story also explores how small decisions can have huge consequences:

1. If Mathilde had been content with her life, she wouldn’t have needed to borrow the necklace.
2. If she had told Madame Forestier about losing the necklace, she would have learned it was fake.
3. The chance meeting with Madame Forestier after ten years reveals the truth, but only after Mathilde has suffered greatly.

Example: The random nature of fate is clear in the final scene: “Madame Forestier, deeply moved, took her two hands. ‘Oh, my poor Mathilde! How terrible! My necklace was paste. It was worth at most five hundred francs!'”

Symbolism

The Necklace

The necklace is the central symbol in the story. It represents:

1. Wealth and status: Mathilde believes wearing it will make her appear rich and important.
2. Deception: The necklace looks valuable but is actually fake, much like the lifestyle Mathilde desires.
3. The weight of lies: The necklace becomes a heavy burden that Mathilde and her husband must bear for years.

Example: The necklace’s symbolic weight is clear when Mathilde first puts it on: “Her heart began to beat with immoderate desire. Her hands trembled as she took it. She fastened it round her throat, outside her high-necked dress, and remained lost in ecstasy at the sight of herself.”

Mathilde’s Transformation

Mathilde’s physical change throughout the story is also symbolic:

1. At the beginning, her beauty represents her potential and dreams.
2. Her faded looks at the end show the toll of her choices and hard work.
3. The transformation symbolizes her journey from superficiality to understanding the true value of things.

Example: The description of Mathilde after ten years shows this transformation: “Madame Loisel looked old now. She had become the woman of impoverished households – strong and hard and rough. With frowsy hair, skirts askew, and red hands, she talked loud while washing the floor with great swishes of water.”

Writing Techniques

Irony

Maupassant uses irony extensively in “The Necklace”:

1. Situational irony: The necklace that Mathilde and her husband spend years paying for turns out to be fake.
2. Dramatic irony: The reader feels the impact of Mathilde’s mistake more deeply because we know she could have avoided it by being honest.
3. Verbal irony: When Mathilde tells Madame Forestier about her hardships, she says, “Yes, I have had days hard enough, since I have known you, days wretched enough – and that because of you!” The irony is that it wasn’t because of Madame Forestier, but because of Mathilde’s own choices.

Example: The most ironic moment comes at the end when Madame Forestier reveals the truth: “Oh, my poor Mathilde! How terrible! My necklace was paste. It was worth at most five hundred francs!”

Descriptive Language

Maupassant uses vivid descriptions to bring his characters and settings to life:

1. He describes Mathilde’s dissatisfaction in detail, helping readers understand her feelings.
2. The party scene is described in a way that makes readers feel Mathilde’s excitement.
3. The descriptions of Mathilde’s life of poverty are stark and realistic.

Example: Look at how Maupassant describes Mathilde at the party: “She danced with intoxication, with passion, made drunk by pleasure, forgetting all, in the triumph of her beauty, in the glory of her success, in a sort of cloud of happiness composed of all this homage, of all this admiration, of all these awakened desires, and of that sense of complete victory which is so sweet to woman’s heart.”

Pacing

The story’s pacing contributes to its impact:

1. The beginning moves slowly, establishing Mathilde’s character and desires.
2. The party scene is a whirlwind of excitement.
3. The years of hardship are summarized quickly, giving a sense of time passing relentlessly.
4. The final revelation comes suddenly, leaving readers as shocked as Mathilde.

Example: Notice how quickly the years of hardship are described: “Madame Loisel came to know the horrible existence of the needy. She took her part, moreover, all on a sudden, with heroism. That dreadful debt must be paid. She would pay it. They dismissed their servant; they changed their lodgings; they rented a garret under the roof.”

Historical and Social Context

Class Structure in 19th Century France

Understanding the rigid class structure of 19th-century France helps readers appreciate Mathilde’s desires and actions:

1. Social mobility was limited, and one’s birth often determined one’s station in life.
2. The growing middle class (like the Loisels) often aspired to upper-class lifestyles.
3. Appearances were extremely important in maintaining social status.

Example: Mathilde’s frustration with her social status is clear from the start: “She suffered ceaselessly, feeling herself born for all the delicacies and all the luxuries. She suffered from the poverty of her dwelling, from the wretched look of the walls, from the worn-out chairs, from the ugliness of the curtains.”

Women’s Roles

The story also reflects the limited roles available to women at the time:

1. Women were expected to marry and maintain a household.
2. A woman’s social status was largely determined by her husband’s position.
3. Women had few opportunities for independent wealth or career advancement.

Example: Mathilde’s options for improving her situation are limited. Her only chance to experience luxury is through her husband’s invitation: “She had no dresses, no jewels, nothing. And she loved nothing but that; she felt made for that.”

The Importance of Social Events

The story highlights how crucial social events were in 19th-century French society:

1. Parties and balls were opportunities for social networking and advancement.
2. One’s appearance at these events could significantly impact one’s social standing.
3. The pressure to maintain appearances at such events could be intense.

Example: The importance of the party is clear in Mathilde’s reaction to the invitation: “The day of the ball drew near, and Madame Loisel seemed sad, uneasy, anxious. Her dress was ready, however.”

Life Lessons from “The Necklace”

Contentment vs. Ambition

The story encourages readers to consider the balance between contentment and ambition:

1. Mathilde’s constant dissatisfaction leads to her downfall.
2. Her husband’s contentment with his life is presented more positively.
3. The story suggests that always wanting more can lead to unhappiness.

Example: Consider how Mathilde’s husband is described: “Her husband, however, little Monsieur Loisel, who was a clerk at the Ministry of Public Instruction, was always happy, for he had discovered in his home an atmosphere of well-being and satisfactory comfort.”

Honesty and Communication

The importance of honesty and open communication is another key lesson:

1. If Mathilde had been honest with Madame Forestier about losing the necklace, she could have avoided years of hardship.
2. The lack of communication between Mathilde and her husband about their true financial situation contributes to their problems.
3. When Mathilde finally tells the truth to Madame Forestier, she gains closure, even if it’s too late to change anything.

Example: The consequences of dishonesty are clear in this line: “Madame Loisel knew the horrible existence of the needy. She took her part, moreover, all at once, heroically. That dreadful debt must be paid. She would pay it.”

The Value of Hard Work

Despite its tragic elements, the story also shows the transformative power of hard work:

1. Mathilde and her husband work tirelessly to pay off their debt.
2. Through their struggles, they develop strength and resilience.
3. By the end, Mathilde has gained a new perspective on life and value.

Example: The change in Mathilde is evident in this description: “She had become the woman of impoverished households – strong and hard and rough. With frowsy hair, skirts askew, and red hands, she talked loud while washing the floor with great swishes of water.”

Literary Impact and Legacy

Influence on Short Story Writing

“The Necklace” has had a lasting impact on the art of short story writing:

1. It’s often studied as an example of efficient storytelling, packing a complex narrative into a brief format.
2. The story’s twist ending has inspired many writers to experiment with surprise conclusions.
3. Maupassant’s realistic style influenced the development of literary realism and naturalism.

Example: The story’s efficient storytelling is evident in how quickly it establishes Mathilde’s character: “She was one of those pretty and charming girls born, as though fate had blundered over her, into a family of artisans.”

Adaptations and References

The enduring popularity of “The Necklace” has led to numerous adaptations and references:

1. It has been adapted into films, plays, and even operas.
2. The story is frequently referenced in popular culture, often as an example of irony or the dangers of materialism.
3. Many modern stories have borrowed elements from “The Necklace,” particularly its twist ending.

Example: The basic plot of “The Necklace” has been adapted in various ways, such as in the film “Duplex” (2003), where a couple goes to extreme lengths to afford a dream apartment, only to find it’s not worth the trouble. This modern take on Maupassant’s themes shows how the story’s ideas continue to resonate with audiences.

Critical Reception

“The Necklace” has been widely praised by literary critics and scholars:

1. It’s often cited as one of the best examples of the short story format.
2. Critics have praised Maupassant’s economical yet powerful prose style.
3. The story’s exploration of social issues and human nature has been a subject of much academic discussion.

Example: Literary critic Henry James praised Maupassant’s writing, saying, “Maupassant’s tales have the quality of being able to surprise.” This surprise element is perfectly exemplified in “The Necklace.”

Analyzing the Title

The title “The Necklace” is simple yet loaded with meaning:

1. It directly refers to the object at the center of the plot.
2. The necklace serves as a symbol for the themes of the story.
3. The simplicity of the title contrasts with the complexity of the story, mirroring how the seemingly simple act of borrowing a necklace leads to complex consequences.

Example: Just as the title “The Necklace” doesn’t reveal the twist of the story, the necklace itself doesn’t reveal its true nature until the end. This parallel between title and content adds another layer of meaning to the story.

Narrative Perspective

Maupassant’s choice of narrative perspective is worth examining:

1. The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view.
2. This allows the narrator to reveal Mathilde’s thoughts and feelings while also showing events she’s not present for.
3. The objective tone of the narration adds to the story’s realism and allows readers to form their own judgments about the characters.

Example: The narrator’s ability to reveal Mathilde’s inner thoughts is crucial to understanding her character: “She had no dresses, no jewels, nothing. And she loved nothing but that. She felt made for that. She would have liked so much to please, to be envied, to be charming, to be sought after.”

Character Development

The way the characters change (or don’t change) throughout the story is a key element:

1. Mathilde undergoes a significant transformation, both physically and in terms of her values.
2. Monsieur Loisel remains largely the same, highlighting his steadfast nature.
3. Madame Forestier serves as a static character, providing a contrast to Mathilde’s change.

Example: Mathilde’s transformation is stark: “She had become the woman of impoverished households—strong and hard and rough. With frowsy hair, skirts askew, and red hands, she talked loud while washing the floor with great swishes of water.”

Setting

The setting of the story plays a crucial role in establishing the social context:

1. The story is set in late 19th century Paris, a time of significant social stratification.
2. The contrast between Mathilde’s modest home and the luxurious Ministry party highlights the class divisions of the time.
3. The change in setting from the Loisels’ original home to their “ghastly” apartment reflects their fall in social status.

Example: The description of the party venue emphasizes the luxury Mathilde craves: “The Ministerial mansion was resplendent with its sumptuously decorated rooms and magnificent furniture.”

Foreshadowing

Maupassant uses foreshadowing to hint at the story’s tragic turn:

1. Mathilde’s discontent at the beginning foreshadows her willingness to take risks for social status.
2. The ease with which she borrows the necklace hints at the trouble to come.
3. The description of the party as a “triumph” suggests that it will come at a cost.

Example: When Mathilde first puts on the necklace, there’s a hint of the trouble to come: “She fastened it round her throat, outside her high-necked waist, and was lost in ecstasy at her reflection in the mirror.”

Symbolism in Objects

Beyond the necklace itself, other objects in the story carry symbolic weight:

1. Mathilde’s plain dress symbolizes her dissatisfaction with her social status.
2. The invitation to the party represents opportunity and the chance for social advancement.
3. The “ghastly” apartment they move to symbolizes the cost of Mathilde’s pride and materialism.

Example: The contrast between Mathilde’s old and new homes is stark: “They dismissed their servant; they changed their lodgings; they rented a garret under the roof.”

The Role of Fate

The concept of fate or chance plays a significant role in the story:

1. Mathilde feels she was born into the wrong social class by some mistake of fate.
2. The loss of the necklace seems like a cruel twist of fate.
3. The chance meeting with Madame Forestier at the end brings the story full circle.

Example: The story begins with a reference to fate: “She was one of those pretty and charming girls born, as though fate had blundered over her, into a family of artisans.”

The Importance of Names

The use of names in the story is significant:

1. We know Mathilde’s full name, Mathilde Loisel, emphasizing her importance as the protagonist.
2. Her husband is often referred to as simply “Monsieur Loisel,” highlighting his secondary role.
3. Madame Forestier is never given a first name, emphasizing her distance from Mathilde despite their supposed friendship.

Example: The formal way Madame Forestier is addressed emphasizes the social distance between her and Mathilde: “She went to see her friend Madame Forestier, a woman of great wealth.”

The Story’s Structure

The structure of “The Necklace” contributes to its impact:

1. The story follows a clear beginning, middle, and end structure.
2. There’s a clear turning point when the necklace is lost.
3. The twist ending provides a powerful conclusion that forces readers to reconsider everything they’ve read.

Example: The turning point of the story is dramatic: “She took off the things with which she had got herself up, but before the glass she stopped to look at herself once again in her glory. But suddenly she uttered a cry. She no longer had the necklace around her neck!”

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The Necklace

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main message of “The Necklace”? The main message of “The Necklace” is that appearances can be deceiving and that the pursuit of material wealth and social status can lead to unhappiness. It also teaches about the importance of honesty and the potential consequences of our choices.
2. Why didn’t Mathilde tell Madame Forestier that she lost the necklace? Mathilde didn’t tell Madame Forestier about losing the necklace likely due to a combination of pride, shame, and fear. She was too proud to admit her carelessness and too ashamed to reveal her inability to return the necklace immediately. She may have also feared Madame Forestier’s reaction.
3. How does Mathilde change throughout the story? Mathilde undergoes a significant transformation. She starts as a beautiful, discontented young woman obsessed with wealth and status. By the end, she’s described as looking old and worn, but she’s gained strength, resilience, and a new perspective on life through her hardships.
4. What does the necklace symbolize in the story? The necklace symbolizes several things: the illusion of wealth and status, the weight of lies and deceit, and the sometimes arbitrary nature of value in society. It’s also a physical representation of Mathilde’s desires and the consequences of her actions.
5. Why is the ending of “The Necklace” considered ironic? The ending is ironic because after years of hardship to pay for an expensive diamond necklace, Mathilde learns that the original necklace was actually made of fake gems and worth very little. This twist reveals that all their suffering was unnecessary and based on a misunderstanding.
6. What role does Monsieur Loisel play in the story? Monsieur Loisel serves as a foil to Mathilde. He’s content with his life and tries to make her happy. He supports her through their hardship, working extra jobs to pay off their debt. His steadfast nature highlights Mathilde’s initial discontent and later transformation.
7. How does the story critique 19th-century French society? The story critiques the rigid class structure of 19th-century French society, the emphasis on appearances and material wealth, and the limited options available to women. It shows how these societal pressures can lead to disastrous consequences.
8. What writing techniques does Maupassant use to make the story effective? Maupassant uses techniques like irony, vivid description, efficient storytelling, and a surprise ending. He also employs symbolism and careful character development to create a powerful and memorable story.
9. How does “The Necklace” compare to other works by Maupassant? Like many of Maupassant’s works, “The Necklace” features realistic characters, social commentary, and a twist ending. It shares themes of class struggle and the role of fate with some of his other stories, but is perhaps his most famous work due to its particularly striking irony.
10. What lessons can modern readers take from “The Necklace”? Modern readers can learn about the dangers of valuing appearances over substance, the importance of honesty and communication, and the potential consequences of our choices. The story also encourages readers to find contentment in their lives rather than always yearning for more.