“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant: A Critical Review

Introduction: “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Imagine a simple twist of fate that forever alters your life – this is the captivating premise of “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant. First published in 1884 within the French newspaper Le Gaulois, this short story later found a home in Maupassant’s broader collection, Boule de Suif. With its focus on the deceptive nature of appearances, the relentless pursuit of social status, and the crushing weight of debt, “The Necklace” continues to enthrall readers. Its themes remain timeless, made even more poignant by Maupassant’s skill as a storyteller: his prose is crisp, his irony sharp, and his iconic twist ending will haunt your thoughts long after you’ve reached the final line

Main Events in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Unhappiness and Longing:

• Mathilde’s discontent is clear: “She suffered constantly, feeling herself born for all the delicacies and all the luxuries.” (Maupassant, Paragraph 1)
• Her dreams of wealth are detailed: “… dainty dinners, with gleaming silverware … tapestries peopling the walls with ancient figures and with strange birds flying in fairy forests …” (Maupassant, Paragraph 1)

The Invitation:

• The invitation arrives and throws Mathilde into despair. She has nothing suitable to wear for an event of such high society.
• Her husband, Monsieur Loisel, sacrifices his savings for a new dress: …”and he gave her four hundred francs.” (Maupassant, Paragraph 9)

The Dress and the Necklace:

• Mathilde, still dissatisfied, borrows a diamond necklace from Madame Forestier: “She was overcome with emotion when she saw her own reflection.” (Maupassant, Paragraph 14)

The Party:

• Mathilde’s transformation is complete: “She was prettier than any of them, elegant, gracious, smiling and wild with joy” (Maupassant, Paragraph 18)
• She is the envy of the party, reveling in the attention of high-ranking men.

The Loss:

• The party ends, and the luxurious facade crumbles: “…and in the street they found one of those ancient night cabs that crawl, only at night…” (Maupassant, Paragraph 22)
• Panic sets in as Mathilde discovers the loss of the necklace.

Desperation and Debt:

• The Loisels exhaust every possibility of finding the necklace: “…he retraced his steps… they went to the police headquarters, to the newspaper offices… to the cab companies…” (Maupassant, Paragraph 25)
• In a desperate act, they purchase an identical necklace with an enormous price tag, plunging them into debt.

A Decade of Hardship:

• The years become a blur of hard labor and sacrifice: “…she came to know the hateful work of the kitchen… all the loathsome tasks of a household.” (Maupassant, Paragraph 30)
• Mathilde’s youthful charm fades with the burdens: “She became… strong, hard and coarse woman…” (Maupassant, Paragraph 30)

The Shocking Truth:

• Ten years later, by chance, Mathilde encounters Madame Forestier, who doesn’t recognize her.
• In a heartbreaking twist, Madame Forestier reveals: “Oh, my poor Mathilde! But mine was imitation. It was worth at the very most five hundred francs!” (Maupassant, Last Paragraph)

Literary Devices in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Literary Device	Definition	Example from “The Necklace”
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality, often creating a sense of surprise or humor.	The entire story hinges on situational irony; Mathilde’s relentless pursuit of appearing wealthy leads to the very poverty she despises.
Symbolism	The use of objects, characters, or events to represent larger ideas or concepts.	The necklace is the most prominent symbol, representing Mathilde’s desire for wealth and social status, but also the deceptiveness of appearances.
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues about events that will happen later in the story.	Mathilde’s early anxieties about the party and her lack of suitable attire foreshadow the disastrous loss of the necklace.
Imagery	Vivid language that appeals to the senses to create mental pictures.	Maupassant uses detailed imagery to describe Mathilde’s longing (“dainty dinners, with gleaming silverware”) and the opulence of the party (“silk-lined… cloaks”).
Metaphor	Direct comparison between two unlike things, without using “like” or “as.”	Mathilde describes her life as a prison: “…the drab walls of her rooms, the shabby chairs, the ugly curtains.”
Simile	Comparison between two unlike things, using “like” or “as.”	Mathilde’s beauty at the party is likened to a star: “She was prettier than any of them… wild with joy.”
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human objects or concepts.	Poverty is described as an enemy: “…struggled desperately against her grim poverty.”
Allusion	A brief reference to a well-known person, event, place, or artistic work.	Mathilde’s dream world alludes to a fairy-tale life of riches and luxury reminiscent of Cinderella.
Exposition	Introduction of background information about characters, setting, and plot.	The opening paragraphs of the story provide exposition about Mathilde’s character, social standing, and her discontent.
Diction	Word choice that contributes to style and tone.	Maupassant uses specific diction to emphasize Mathilde’s longing ( “delicacies”, “luxuries”) and later, her grueling labors (“loathsome tasks”).
Characterization	The methods an author uses to reveal a character’s personality, values, or motivations.	Mathilde’s character is revealed through her thoughts, dialogue, actions, and how others react to her.
Juxtaposition	Placing two things side-by-side for emphasis or contrast.	The story juxtaposes Mathilde’s life of imagined luxury with her harsh reality to highlight the theme of appearances vs. reality.
Mood	The emotional atmosphere of a literary work.	The story shifts from a mood of longing and excitement to anxiety, desperation, and ultimately resignation.
Tone	The author’s attitude towards the subject, revealed through word choice and details.	Maupassant’s tone is often subtly critical and ironic towards Mathilde’s materialistic obsessions.
Theme	Central ideas or messages explored in a work of literature.	Key themes include: the deceptiveness of appearances, the destructive power of greed, and the true value of things vs. their perceived worth.

Characterization in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Mathilde Loisel

• Discontent and Materialistic:
  • Obsessed with wealth and luxury: “She suffered constantly, feeling herself born for all the delicacies and all the luxuries.” (Opening paragraph)
  • Dreams of fancy dinners, expensive furnishings, and servants.
• Vain and Superficial:
  • Values appearances above all else.
  • Her greatest joy at the party is derived from the attention and envy of others.
  • Willing to sacrifice everything and endure years of hardship for the facade of wealth.
• Initially Naïve:
  • Doesn’t consider the consequences of borrowing the necklace.
  • Underestimates the effort required to replace the necklace, assuming they could easily purchase another.
• Transformed by Hardship:
  • Ten years of labor change her physically: “She had become the strong, hard, and coarse woman…”
  • May have gained some wisdom and understanding of true value through her suffering.

Monsieur Loisel

• Content and Supportive:
  • Seems satisfied with their modest life.
  • Sacrifices his own savings for Mathilde’s dress: “…and he gave her four hundred francs.”
  • Works tirelessly to repay the debt, demonstrating loyalty and love.
• Somewhat Passive:
  • Yields to Mathilde’s demands and goes along with her plans, even when he likely sees the potential for trouble.
  • Less dynamic character than Mathilde, primarily serving to highlight her flaws.

Additional Notes on Characterization:

• Maupassant uses indirect characterization: We understand the characters primarily through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts, rather than explicit descriptions.
• Madame Forestier remains somewhat enigmatic. This hints at the theme of the deceptiveness of appearances since, even through her kindness, she unwittingly causes Mathilde’s downfall.

Major Themes in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Theme	Explanation	Example from “The Necklace”
The Deceptiveness of Appearances	Things are not always as they seem. Outward appearances can hide the true nature of people or situations.	The necklace, a symbol of wealth and status, turns out to be fake, highlighting the illusion of material possessions. Mathilde’s beauty and apparent good fortune mask her internal dissatisfaction and later, her crushing poverty.
The Destructive Power of Greed	Obsession with material possessions and social status can lead to ruin.	Mathilde’s relentless pursuit of a luxurious lifestyle blinds her to the value of her own life. Her desire for the unattainable ultimately leads to her downfall and years of suffering.
The Importance of Honesty and Integrity	Deceit and dishonesty lead to negative consequences.	Had Mathilde been truthful about losing the necklace, she may have avoided a decade of hardship. The story suggests that honest communication and acceptance of one’s circumstances can be less destructive.
The True Nature of Value	Worth is not determined by material possessions or social status.	Through her experiences, Mathilde may learn that hard work, loyalty, and love have greater value than the jewels she so coveted. The cruel twist of the ending suggests that true wealth and happiness may lie in simpler things.

Writing Style in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

• Realism and Simplicity:
• Straightforward language: The story progresses without complicated sentence structures or excess verbosity.
• Example: “She suffered constantly, feeling herself born for all the delicacies and all the luxuries.” (Opening paragraph)
• Vivid Descriptions:
• Details paint a picture: Descriptions focus on characters, settings, and actions, allowing the reader to visualize the story.
• Example: “…the silk-lined walls, with alternating stripes of light and dark velvet… enormous chandeliers blazing…” (Description of the party)
• Irony and Social Commentary:
• Situational irony drives the plot: The borrowed necklace, a symbol of wealth, turns out to be worthless, highlighting the emptiness of materialism.
• Example: “Oh, my poor Mathilde! But mine was imitation. It was worth at the very most five hundred francs!” (Madame Forestier’s revelation)

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

1. Marxist Theory: The story reflects the social and economic inequalities prevalent in the 19th century French society, where the bourgeoisie lived lavish lifestyles while the lower class struggled to make ends meet. Mathilde’s obsession with material possessions and desire to fit in with the upper class can be seen as a criticism of capitalism and its emphasis on material wealth.
2. Feminist Theory: Mathilde’s character can be viewed through a feminist lens, as she is a victim of gender inequality and the limited opportunities available to women in her time. Her dissatisfaction with her life is a result of the limitations imposed on her as a woman, and the societal pressure for women to conform to a certain standard of beauty and class.
3. Psychoanalytic Theory: The story can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens, where Mathilde’s desire for material possessions can be seen as a manifestation of her unconscious desires and repressed emotions. Her obsession with the necklace and desire to fit in with the upper class can be seen as a reflection of her own insecurities and dissatisfaction with her life.
4. Reader-Response Theory: The reader’s interpretation of the story is influenced by their own experiences, beliefs, and cultural background. The story can be read in different ways depending on the reader’s own perspective, and the meaning of the story is not fixed but can change depending on the reader’s interpretation.
5. Formalist Theory: The story can be analyzed in terms of its literary techniques and devices, such as the use of imagery, symbolism, and irony. The author’s use of irony in the ending, where it is revealed that the necklace was a fake, can be seen as a commentary on the superficiality and materialism of society.
6. Structuralist Theory: The story can be analyzed through a structuralist lens, where it is viewed as a system of signs and symbols that convey meaning. The necklace can be seen as a symbol of material wealth and the social status it represents, while Mathilde’s desire for the necklace can be seen as a reflection of her desire for social status and acceptance.

Questions about “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

1. How does Guy de Maupassant use irony in “The Necklace” to convey his message?
2. What role does appearance and social status play in “The Necklace”?
3. How does the theme of pride affect the main character’s actions in “The Necklace”?
4. In “The Necklace,” how does the author use symbolism to enhance the story’s themes?
5. How does “The Necklace” reflect the societal norms and values of the time it was written?
6. What is the significance of the ending of “The Necklace”?

Thesis Statements of these Questions About “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

1. The story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant explores the theme of the dangers of vanity and the illusion of social status through the character of Mathilde Loisel, who becomes obsessed with material possessions and her desire for social acceptance.
2. In “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, the theme of appearance versus reality is portrayed through the necklace that Mathilde borrows, thinking it is a valuable piece of jewelry, only to find out it is a fake.
3. Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” is a story about the power of perception and the consequences of deceit. The theme of appearance versus reality is explored through the character of Mathilde, who tries to present herself as someone she is not.
4. The short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant examines the consequences of greed and the importance of honesty. Through the character of Mathilde Loisel, the story illustrates that material possessions are not the key to happiness and that honesty is always the best policy.
5. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant explores the theme of irony and the unexpected twists of fate that can occur in life. The story teaches us that even the smallest lies and deceptions can have long-lasting and devastating consequences.
6. The story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is a commentary on the social expectations placed upon women in the late 19th century. Through the character of Mathilde, the story highlights the limitations and constraints imposed on women in terms of their education, opportunities, and social mobility.

Short Questions andAnswers about “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

• What is the irony in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant?
• The irony in “The Necklace” is that Mathilde Loisel spends her life trying to appear wealthy and high-class, but her desire for material possessions leads to her downfall. She borrows a diamond necklace from a friend to wear to a party and loses it. Instead of telling her friend, she and her husband go into debt to replace it. After ten years of hard work to pay off the debt, Mathilde finds out the necklace was a fake, which renders all of her struggles meaningless.
• What is the significance of the title “The Necklace”?
• The title “The Necklace” refers to the diamond necklace that Mathilde Loisel borrows from her friend Madame Forestier to wear to the party. The necklace represents the allure of material possessions and the desire for social status. It is the catalyst for Mathilde’s downward spiral, as it leads to her and her husband’s financial ruin.
• What is the moral of “The Necklace”?
• The moral of “The Necklace” is that being obsessed with material possessions and social status can lead to misery and despair. Mathilde Loisel spends her life trying to appear wealthy and high-class, but her desire for material possessions ultimately leads to her downfall. The story warns against the dangers of coveting what one cannot afford, and the importance of being content with one’s own circumstances.
• What is the conflict in “The Necklace”?
• The main conflict in “The Necklace” is between Mathilde Loisel and her own desires. Mathilde is unhappy with her simple life and longs to be wealthy and high-class. When she gets the opportunity to attend a fancy party, she borrows a diamond necklace to fit in, but loses it. The conflict comes when she and her husband go into debt to replace the necklace, leading to years of hardship and misery. The conflict is ultimately resolved when Mathilde finds out the necklace was a fake, realizing that all of her struggles were for nothing.

Literary Works Similar to “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

1. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: This beloved short story revolves around a young couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other on Christmas Eve, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of wealth.
2. “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton: In this short story, a princess must decide the fate of her lover who is put on trial in an arena, raising questions about choice, consequence, and the nature of justice.
3. “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst: This poignant short story tells the tale of a young boy with physical disabilities and his brother’s efforts to help him, exploring themes of love, pride, and the consequences of pushing someone beyond their limits.
4. “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov: In this short story, a banker and a young lawyer make a bet regarding the value of life imprisonment versus capital punishment, delving into themes of human nature, morality, and the pursuit of wealth and power.
5. “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs: This classic horror short story revolves around a magical monkey’s paw that grants its owner three wishes, but with unforeseen and tragic consequences, exploring themes of greed, fate, and the dangers of tampering with destiny.
6. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: In this chilling tale, an unnamed narrator becomes increasingly disturbed by the eye of an old man and resolves to murder him, only to be haunted by guilt and paranoia, delving into themes of guilt, madness, and the human psyche.
7. “Rappaccini’s Daughter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: This Gothic short story explores themes of obsession, pride, and the consequences of meddling with nature through the tragic tale of a young woman who becomes poisonous to the touch due to her father’s experiments.
8. “The Lottery Ticket” by Anton Chekhov: This short story follows a couple who experience a surge of excitement after winning a small lottery prize, leading them to imagine the possibilities of wealth and the changes it could bring to their lives, touching on themes of greed, desire, and the illusion of happiness.

Suggested Readings: “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

Articles:

• Bloom, Harold. “Themes and Meanings in ‘The Necklace’.” Short Story Criticism 33 (1999): 30-32. Gale Literature Resource Center. Web. 22 March 2024.
• Knapp, Bettina L. “Maupassant’s ‘The Necklace’: Object of Desire, Symbol of Defeat.” The French Review 56.5 (1983): 661-668. JSTOR. Web. 22 March 2024.

Books:

• Cogny, Pierre. Guy de Maupassant: The Short Stories. Paris: Hatier, 1987. (Note: If resources in French are relevant to your research)
• Steegmuller, Francis. Maupassant: A Lion in the Path. New York: Random House, 1949. (Consider including this for a broader biographical approach)

Websites

• SparkNotes. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant. [SparkNotes website], n.d. Web. 22 March 2024.
• Short Stories and Classic Literature. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant. [Website Name], n.d. Web. 22 March 2024.