The Necklace Guy de Maupassant Guy de Maupassant

“The Necklace” Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant • (1850 -1893) • French author famous for his short stories • Prolific writer who wrote over 300 short stories • Died in a sanitarium

Setting • Apartment in Paris, France • In 1880’s

Point of View

Symbolism • The diamond necklace stands for everything Madame Loisel has ever wanted —beauty and wealth.

Characterization • Madame Loisel – – – Round and dynamic Has a desire to be envied Jealous Never satisfied Longs for a wealthy life style, which contrasts with her real life.

Characterization • Monsieur Loisel • Optimistic • Happy with his life • Practical • Manipulated by his wife

Irony • The Loisels live on the “street of martyrs” and end up making a ten -year-long sacrifice. (Verbal Irony) • Madame Loisel borrows a necklace that makes her feel beautiful and wealthy, and it turns out to be fake. (Situational Irony) • Also…. i love mrs newbold

• If Madame Forestier had opened the case, she would have seen a much more valuable necklace than the one she originally loaned Madame Loisel. (Situational Irony)

Tone

Conflict • Internal – Madame Loisel’s struggle with her status in society.

Theme • True value is not always apparent. • Never look for happiness in material things.