Short Story The Jewelry by Guy De Maupassant: Summary and Analysis

Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Jewelry" intricately weaves themes of deception, regret, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative centers around M. Lantin, a middle-class clerk whose life takes a dramatic turn following the death of his beloved wife. Through the lens of M. Lantin’s experiences, Maupassant offers profound insights into the nature of happiness, wealth, and the often-overlooked aspects of appreciation in life.

The Complexity of M. Lantin's Character

M. Lantin is portrayed as a man deeply in love with his wife; however, he remains oblivious to her desires and interests. Initially described as a devoted husband who “loved her even more than he did the first day” six years after their marriage, M. Lantin fails to appreciate the true value of his wife’s passions—particularly her love for theater and jewelry (Maupassant). This lack of appreciation is significant as it foreshadows the emotional turmoil that follows her unexpected death.

His discontent with his wife's enthusiasm for theater and her fondness for faux jewelry reveals deeper issues within their relationship. M. Lantin believes that "one should appear adorned with one’s natural beauty," dismissing his wife's adornments as mere frivolities rather than recognizing them as expressions of her identity (Maupassant). This perspective creates a rift between them that ultimately leads to regret once she passes away.

The Tragic Irony of Loss

The narrative reaches its emotional climax when M. Lantin’s wife succumbs to pneumonia after attending a theater performance—a fate that could have been avoided had he chosen to accompany her instead of sending her off alone (Maupassant). Her sudden absence plunges him into despair; he becomes increasingly isolated from both his personal life and work responsibilities. The transformation in his character is palpable; mourning turns him into a shadow of himself, leaving him hair prematurely white from grief.

This period serves not only as an exploration of grief but also illustrates how one can become consumed by sorrow when failing to appreciate what they have until it is lost. Maupassant uses this poignant moment to emphasize the lessons learned through suffering—a common theme throughout literature where characters undergo profound transformations due to tragic events.

The Discovery: A Turning Point

As time passes, desperate for financial stability following mounting debts, M. Lantin decides to sell his deceased wife's jewelry—pieces he had previously dismissed as worthless trinkets (Maupassant). To his astonishment, these "fake" jewels are revealed to be genuine and worth an astonishing sum—over 200,000 francs—which dramatically alters his financial circumstances.

This revelation acts as both a turning point in the story and an ironic twist: having ridiculed what was genuinely valuable in life—the very essence represented by his late wife—he discovers riches yet feels no joy in this newfound wealth (Maupassant). Rather than celebrating this fortune, he grapples with conflicting emotions stemming from regret over how little he valued his wife's contributions during their marriage.

A Life Revisited: Regret and Unhappiness

Ultimately, despite acquiring wealth beyond what he ever imagined possible, M. Lantin remarries within six months only to find himself trapped in another unhappy relationship with a woman who possesses an entirely different temperament from that of his first wife (Maupassant). His new spouse embodies traits diametrically opposed to those that characterized his late partner—suggesting Maupassant's critique on materialism versus emotional fulfillment.

The contrast between both marriages underscores one primary theme: money cannot buy happiness or replace genuine companionship rooted in understanding and appreciation (Maupassant). While initially elated about possessing material wealth capable enough to alter lifestyles drastically; it soon becomes evident that such gains cannot mend broken hearts or fill voids left by lost loves.

Conclusion: Lessons on Appreciation

Maupassant masterfully concludes “The Jewelry” by highlighting how life's inherent irony serves not only as a commentary on societal values regarding wealth but also critiques human nature concerning neglectful behavior towards those we cherish most dearly (Maupassant). The multifaceted themes embedded within this tale encourage readers to reflect upon their own lives—to recognize moments where apathy may have overshadowed gratitude—and consider how easily one can lose sight of what truly matters until faced with irrevocable loss.