Introduction to the Theme
Guy de Maupassant’s “The Jewelry” is a narrative that illustrates the detrimental outcomes of adhering to social norms and the hazards of being enticed by temptation. Through the character of Lantin and his experiences, the author illustrates how blindly following social norms can lead to disastrous consequences. The story’s title, setting, use of a limited third-person point of view, and irony all contribute to its central theme. Ultimately, “The Jewelry” is a powerful reminder that conforming to societal expectations can come at a high cost. It warns against simply going along with society’s accepted standards and the potential risks of giving in to desires.
Character Analysis: Lantin and His Wife
The narrative commences with the presentation of Lantin and his wife, whom he portrays as exemplary and prudent. At first sight, she appears as the ideal spouse, managing the house and preparing delectable dishes. Nevertheless, as the tale advances, it becomes evident that Lantin’s wife is not as virtuous as she appears. She enjoys the finer things in life, such as expensive apparel and jewelry, which Lantin cannot manage on his modest wage. After she passes away, Lantin realizes that his wife has been living a double life as a high-class prostitute and was funding her opulent lifestyle through her illicit transactions.
Title Significance
The title of the story, “The Jewelry,” conveys the message of social mandates. It hints at the narrative’s focus on materialism and the destructive strength it can bring. Jewelry is often related to prosperity and status. In the story, Lantin’s wife’s longing for costly jewelry reflects the public pressure on women to agree to a certain standard of beauty and wealth. The title additionally has a critical role in foreshadowing the story’s events. At the start of the story, Lantin’s wife is depicted as a decent, thrifty individual who is happy with the essential things in life.
Yet, the title “The Jewelry” indicates that there is more to her than meets the eye. It suggests a personal want for extravagance and luxury, a craving that ultimately leads to her destruction. Therefore, the title is a full image of the risks of materialism and the societal pressures that can push individuals to make destructive decisions.
Limited Third-Person POV
Maupassant’s utilization of a limited third-person point of view in “The Jewelry” is essential in underscoring the theme of societal demands and assumptions. The spotlight on Lantin’s outlook permits the reader to live through the story’s occurrences through his eyes, making it possible for the reader to empathize with him and comprehend the social pressures he is confronted with.
Lantin’s dullness and devastation upon discovering his wife’s hidden knowledge are apparent, and the reader can sense the same betrayal and disbelief that Lantin goes through. Using a limited third-person point of view allows the reader to connect with Lantin’s character and see the story’s events through societal expectations and pressures.
Moral and Social Commentary
Maupassant’s “The Jewelry” highlights the destructive consequences of societal expectations and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. The protagonist, Lantin, is a cautionary tale of what can happen when individuals mindlessly follow social norms without questioning them. Lantin’s love for his wife blinds him to her true nature, and he only realizes the extent of her deception after her death. This realization leads him to question the values that he had held dear and the societal expectations that had forced him to marry someone whom he did not honestly know (Maupassant et al.). The downward spiral of Lantin’s life, which ended in poverty and lawlessness, illustrates how social conventions can be detrimental and how giving in to temptation can have disastrous results.
Setting and Historical Context
The story’s setting is critical in showing the topic of societal expectations. The tale takes place in Paris during the late 19th century when there were exact regulations for how men and women should act. Women were supposed to be innocent and modest, while men were responsible for caring for their families. Lantin’s wife’s wish for luxurious clothing and jewelry reflects the stress women feel about abiding by a certain level of beauty and wealth. Additionally, Lantin’s inability to meet his wife’s wants marks the strain put on men to take care of their families, regardless of their financial means.
Tone, Structure, and Style
At the tale’s start, Lantin’s outlook is dreamy and hopeful since he supposes he has stumbled upon his ideal partner. Nevertheless, as the narrative goes on, the atmosphere gets gloomier and more malevolent when Lantin perceives the reality about his spouse and is taken over by his craving for the cash from the jewelry. The narrative’s structure is concise and straightforward, with Maupassant’s utilization of explicit language enhancing the effect of the story’s central message.
Maupassant uses irony to convey the theme of societal expectations in “The Jewelry.” Lantin’s wife is initially described as virtuous and frugal, the epitome of what a wife should be according to societal expectations. However, it is later revealed that she had been leading a double life as a high-class prostitute, completely contradicting her virtuous image. Similarly, Lantin’s addiction to the money from the jewelry completely contradicts his initial disgust at his wife’s love for expensive things.
Conclusion
“The Jewelry” by Guy de Maupassant conveys the theme of societal expectations through Lantin’s character and experiences. Maupassant uses Lantin’s character to illustrate how societal expectations can lead individuals to choices with dire consequences. The limited third-person point of view, the setting, and the use of irony all contribute to the story’s central theme. Overall, the report is a cautionary tale about the dangers of conforming to societal norms and expectations at the cost of one’s happiness and well-being.
Works Cited
Maupassant, Guy de, et al. The Tales of Guy De Maupassant. Easton Press, 1977.