THE NECKLACE By Guy de Maupassant TIME AND

THE NECKLACE By Guy de Maupassant

TIME AND PLACE v. Paris, France v. During the late 1800 s

BACKGROUND INFO v. In late 1800 s, society in Paris had a rigid class structure. v. Aristocrats were at the top of the social ladder. They had wealth, large estates, and many servants.

BACKGROUND INFO v Below the aristocrats was the middle class. These consisted of merchants, clerks, government workers, and others. v Middle class families generally lived in modest homes or apartments and could afford to hire a servant or two. v They were not starving or poor, however they did have a lot less money and social stature as the aristocrats. v MIDDLE-CLASS WOMEN DID NOT WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME. ONLY MEN WORKED.

BACKGROUND INFO v Below the middle class, there was a huge number of peasants and servants who worked for the rich or farmed the land. v People would try to own material goods to make themselves look higher in society than they were. v Both men and women in the lowest class worked hard labor with long hours for the rich.

CONNECTING TO THE STORY v In “The Necklace, ” a character wishes she owned something far more costly than she can afford. v Write three reasons why a person might want to have expensive things. Use at least three of these words: obtain, impress, exceed, and identify.

GUY DE MAUPASSANT v Wrote short stories that are realistic and pessimistic. Often have surprise endings. v “The Necklace” is perhaps his most widely read story. v He was interested in the psychology of his characters.

MINI FRENCH LESSON v. M. = Monsieur = Mr. v. Mme. = Madame = Mrs. v. So, a M. would be married to a Mme.