The Necklace by Maupassant Quiz

Background of "The Necklace"

• Set in 'Belle Epoque' Paris during the late 19th century, a time marked by cultural, artistic, and social dynamism.

Madame Loisel

• Selfish, charming, and beautiful yet spoiled by her middle-class upbringing.
• Experiences rapid aging, becoming harsh and shrill as her circumstances change.

Monsieur Loisel

• Kind-hearted, loyal, and hard-working clerk in the Ministry of Education.
• Seeks to make his wife happy despite their modest lifestyle.

Madame Forestier

• Wealthy friend of Madame Loisel, embodies kindness but also exhibits snobbish traits.

Plot Overview

• Centers around Madame Loisel's dissatisfaction with her social status, leading to a chain of conflicts and the eventual downfall following her longing for a different life.

Narrative Perspective

• Told from a third-person perspective, focusing primarily on Madame Loisel’s inner thoughts and feelings.

Internal Conflict

• Madame Loisel struggles with excessive pride, materialism, and feelings of deprivation, leading to emotional turmoil.

Symbolism of the Necklace

• Represents greed, the desire for unattainable luxury, social class differences, and dishonesty, reflecting Madame Loisel's superficiality.

Symbolism of the Dress

• Embodies Monsieur Loisel's sacrifices made for his wife's happiness and their hopes for social acceptance.

Possible Morals of "The Necklace"

• Encourages contentment with one's circumstances, highlights the value of honesty, and warns of the dire consequences of greed and material desires.

Presentation of Madame Loisel’s Character

• Author highlights her character through her perspectives and daydreams about luxury, contrasting with her lack of appreciation for her husband's support.

Irony in the Story

• Madame Loisel borrows a necklace to appear affluent, only to face extreme poverty after losing it and working for a decade, ultimately discovering it was a fake, highlighting the futility of her desires.