"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the various issues raised by the author including the themes of irony, society and class, appearance versus reality, self-worth and value among others. The short story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant concentrates on a specific set of related incidents to tell its story in a realistic fashion, delving into the psychology of its characters and relating their actions to the society in which they live. A central issue is the theme of illusion versus reality, and a second theme is that of gaining wealth and the prestige that goes with it.

From the Paper:

"In the story, Mme. Loisel and Mme. Forestier are friends, with Mme. Forestier wealthy and Mme. Loisel not. Mme. Loisel, however, wants nothing more than to be rich so she can fit into society at the level to which she aspires, and she believes that anything less than that level is unworthy and leaves her missing out on much of life. Mme. Forestier's thoughts on the matter are not recorded in this story, but she understands the needs of her friend sufficiently to help her when the need arises and the other woman requires a piece of jewelry for the party to which she and her husband have been invited. Mme. Loisel fails to see what is right and to follow through on it, and as a result she is always unhappy and convinced that she has been cheated out of all in life that is really her due, since she is "pretty and charming," as the author says."

More papers on "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant:

• Analytical Essay # 149650 : "Class Mobility in "The Necklace"
• Analytical Essay # 28010 : "The Necklace"
• Comparison Essay # 7773 : "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Necklace"

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