"The Necklace"

Paper Summary:

In his short story, "The Necklace", Guy de Maupassant uses many instances of irony to demonstrate how excessive vanity can twist and distort the lives of those who focus too much on surface appearances. This paper provides examples throughout the story where the author makes use of irony.

From the Paper:

"Some view this irony -- that they lived for years in significant poverty to pay for the replacement necklace, made of real diamonds, as the greatest irony of all. However, another interpretation might be made. Mathilde could be viewed as already in possession of great jewels before she ever borrowed Mme. Forester's necklace. The greatest jewel in her possession is her husband. He works hard to get the invitation to the party; he gives up something he wanted badly, something that could have given him a lifetime of joy, so she can buy one dress; when the necklace is lost he does not blame her but works multiple jobs to pay the debt off; and presumably continues to love her even as their harder life takes its toll on her surface beauty."

More papers on "The Necklace":

• Analytical Essay # 149650 : "Class Mobility in "The Necklace"
• Book Review # 73872 : "Materialism in de Maupassant's "The Necklace"
• Comparison Essay # 90900 : "'The Story of an Hour' and 'The Necklace'"
• Comparison Essay # 7773 : "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Necklace"

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