The Necklace: a Critical Analysis

Introduction

A. Hook: "The Necklace" is a captivating short story written by Guy de Maupassant that delves into the themes of wealth, social status, and appearances.

B. Background information: The story revolves around the life of Mathilde Loisel, a discontented housewife who longs for a more luxurious lifestyle and social status.

C. Thesis statement: This essay will analyze the characters, themes, and symbolism in "The Necklace" to understand the message conveyed by the author and how it is relevant to our society today.

Plot Summary

Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but unsatisfied housewife, dreams of a luxurious lifestyle and social status above her current middle-class life. She gets a chance to attend a prestigious social event but is unhappy to find that her simple jewelry does not match her expectations of elegance. She borrows an expensive necklace from her wealthy friend to fit in with the crowd; however, she loses it on her way home. Mathilde and her husband, Monsieur Loisel, go through their savings to replace the necklace, and they start to suffer financially. Mathilde later discovers that the necklace was a fake, and the couple goes through years of hardship to pay off the debts incurred from buying the new necklace.

Character Analysis

A. Mathilde Loisel

Mathilde is the protagonist of the story, and her dissatisfaction with her social class and longing for a more luxurious lifestyle drive the plot's conflict. She is described as a beautiful and charming woman but is unhappy with her middle-class life. Mathilde becomes more materialistic as the story progresses, longing for luxuries such as furs, diamonds, and lavish clothing. However, her character transforms after losing the necklace and having to work hard to repay the debts, leading to her realization that happiness is not solely defined by material possessions.

B. Monsieur Loisel

Monsieur Loisel is Mathilde's supportive husband, who works hard to provide for his family and keep his wife content. He is depicted as a kind, patient, and understanding man, committed to making his wife happy. His love for Mathilde is evident when he agrees to give up his savings and loans them the rest of the money needed to replace the lost necklace. Monsieur Loisel acts as a foil to Mathilde's desires, prioritizing their family's well-being over material possessions and social status.

Theme Analysis

A. Wealth and Social Status

The theme of wealth and social status pervades the story, with Mathilde's character yearning for a luxurious lifestyle and social recognition. The author portrays the allure of wealth and the consequences of prioritizing wealth over personal happiness. Mathilde's obsession with material possessions leads to her downfall and difficult living standards after realizing that the necklace she desperately wanted to keep up appearances was a fake. She realizes that the social status she has so longed for was not worth the suffering she had to endure for years, leading to her eventual transformation.

B. Appearance vs.Reality

The theme of appearance versus reality is present in the story, with the necklace serving as a symbol of false appearances and materialism. Mathilde is so concerned with appearances that she borrows the necklace to impress her friends, not knowing that it is a fake. This theme highlights the characters' actions and decisions based on what they want people to think of them rather than who they genuinely are.

Symbolism

A. The Necklace

The necklace serves as a symbol of the negative impact that materialism and a desire for social standing can have on a person's life. Mathilde's fixation with the necklace prompts her to borrow it to look elegant and luxurious, reflecting her obsession with appearances. The necklace's loss and the subsequent hardships Mathilde and her husband faced indicate how destructive material possessions can be and how they can lead to unnecessary suffering.

B. The Dress

The dress Mathilde borrows from her friend, Madame Forestier, symbolizes her longing for a different social status and her eventual realization of the superficiality of appearances. The dress represents Mathilde's idealized self, one where she is rich, elegant, and confident. However, Mathilde realizes that even wealthy and elegant people are not happy and that financial status does not translate into personal fulfillment.

Conclusion

The story of "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant is a poignant reminder of the dangers of materialism and the allure of social status. The characters' preoccupation with appearances offers the reader a valuable lesson about the value of personal fulfillment over material possessions. Matilde's character transformation shows how priorities can change, leading to a better existence. De Maupassant's literary genius will continue to influence our society to avoid the pitfalls of materialism and find true happiness.

1. References:
2. De Maupassant, G. (1884). The Necklace. Retrieved from https://www.vobal.com/#/documents/history_of_literturereadersgu/the_necklace
3. Rose, N. (2020). Materialism is a Destructive force. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-want-what-you-have/202010/materialism-is-destructive-force