The Necklace: a Different View

Why read a story from the 19th century if there is an easy way out? These days, people can easily read complex written stories by doing a little research on the internet. After entering “The Necklace” in my browser, I was provided with a plethora of information regarding this short story. While some websites offered me the classic story written by Guy de Maupassant, others presented me with a simplified version and even lesson plans, or a complete summary with analysis. As the story deals with themes such as happiness, perseverance, and assumption, WakOlll’s critical analysis touches on the same topics. However, the author focuses more on Mathilde Loisel’s character and perspective.

In the story it is clear that Mathilde is unhappy with her life. WakOlll describes her as “a very materialistic person who is never content with anything in her life” (Critical Analysis of "The Necklace" Short Story) She is a woman who desires more of life than she currently has. She talks about “silent antechambers hung with Oriental tapestry”, “delicate furniture” and “perfumed boudoirs” (“The Necklace”-page 608), which is summed up by the analyst when he describes how unhappy she is with her surroundings and her home environment in general (Critical Analysis of "The Necklace" Short Story). In the critique, the author goes even further by exploring her selfishness and the way she treats her husband. In the story, her husband brings home an invitation to an important event. Yet, Mathilde only worries about herself “she does not worry about her husband, his feelings regarding the invitation, or how much fun they may have at the dinner party. She only worries about how she will look and what other people will think of her” (Critical Analysis of "The Necklace" Short Story). Although her husband has the best intentions, Mathilde treats him without any respect. Upon receiving the invitation, her first words are “What do you want me to do with that” (“The Necklace”-page 608)....