Pride can Be Costly

Analytical Essay # 3605

English > Analysis
Literature > French

Pride can Be Costly

This paper discusses the irony in "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, focusing on the character traits of Mathilde.

1,480 words () | 4 sources | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an analysis of Guy de Maupassant's ironic short story, "The Necklace." The author discusses how Mathilde's intense longing for wealth and respect made her life miserable, and how her foolish pride regarding the lost necklace would plague her constantly.

From the Paper:

"Before the incident, Mathilde has everything she needs to survive. She has a working husband who does everything in his power to please her, a middle class place to live, and even a maid. But more is never enough for her. Nothing seems to please her enough; she always wants more. She can't be satisfied. Once she fulfills one desire, another takes its place. She cannot accept her place in society due to the fact that she is always focusing on what she does not have. She is so selfish that she does not think about anything but her. Her selfishness creates the pride; she is too proud to admit what she is. Mathilde places pride prior to everything; the pride that creates all her the troubles. The necklace fools Mathilde just as she has fooled everyone at the ball."