“The Necklace” is one of the most prominent and influential short stories in the history of literature. It owes its popularity mainly to its unexpected, tragicomic ending. Still, the story has more depth than just a plot twist. For example, literature critics Richard Fusco and John Cowper Powys (2003) remark that “The Necklace” demonstrates the essence of human vices. Its realism also helps the readers feel sympathetic towards the main character despite her flaws.
There are a lot more aspects to explore in Maupassant’s short story. Our “The Necklace” study guide will help you get a complete understanding of its plot, characters, symbols, and themes.
On this page, you will find:
- links to articles exploring “The Necklace”
- key facts about the story
- information about the author
- the historical context of “The Necklace”
🗺️ The Necklace Study Guide Navigation
The links below lead to sections of our study guide that analyze the short story’s various aspects, providing readers with a thorough understanding of its meaning.
Here, you will find the story’s synopsis and a detailed description of its plot structure.
This article provides an in-depth character analysis of Madame Loisel, Monsieur Loisel, and Madame Forestier.
In this part, we will delve into the significance of the story’s setting, genre, and the use of key literary devices.
Here, we explore the main themes in “The Necklace,” including greed, reality vs. illusion, beauty, and suffering.
This article analyzes the necklace and mirror as the story’s main symbols and discusses its imagery.
Here, you will find a collection of thought-provoking essay topics, prompts, and essay examples focusing on “The Necklace.”
In the final part of our study guide, you will find answers to the most frequent questions about “The Necklace” with detailed explanations.
🔑 Key Facts About The Necklace
Check out the following sections for more detailed answers regarding the key information about the story.
Where Was The Necklace Published?
The first publication of “The Necklace” appeared in its original French language in Le Gaulois newspaper, under the title La parure, in the issue of February 17, 1884. Later, the piece was included in the Tales of Day and Night collection (1885).
When Was The Necklace Written?
Guy de Maupassant wrote “The Necklace” in 1884, and the story is set around the same time. Similar to Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, the character of Mathilde reflects the typical archetype of women of that period.
What Is The Necklace About?
The story is about a beautiful woman who is unhappy with her social situation. At a public event, she attempts to appear wealthier by wearing a borrowed necklace. Losing the piece of jewelry and having to repay the debt ruins the next ten years of her life. The necklace is later revealed to have been fake.
What Time Period Is The Necklace Set In?
The story is set during the Belle Époque, which lasted in France from 1871 to 1914. It was a period of optimism, peace, and enlightenment. However, great prosperity went side-by-side with terrible poverty.
What Is the Author’s Purpose in The Necklace?
The author highlights the conflict between reality and appearances. He demonstrates that human desires are often dictated by vanity, and their fulfillment doesn’t bring much joy.
📚 The Necklace Author: Guy de Maupassant
Henry-René-Albert-Guy de Maupassant (1850 – 1893) was born into a Norman family of minor aristocracy. His parents’ marriage failed when he was 11. Church school and seminary didn’t interest him, so he deliberately created a basis for expulsion.
His law studies in Paris were interrupted by the Franko-German War, during which he volunteered. After that, he continued his education and later worked in the Ministry of Marine and the Ministry of Public Instruction.
Guy de Maupassant had friendly relationships with Gustave Flaubert, who mentored him in writing and corrected his early works. Flaubert introduced him to Ivan Turgenev, Edmond Goncourt, Émile Zola, and Henry James.
As Flaubert’s follower, Maupassant adopted the features of realism and naturalism, which are prominent in his most famous works, such as Bel-Ami and Boule de Suif. His main themes included war, Norman peasantry, class struggle, and mental illness. Maupassant’s works vividly depict life in France between 1870 and 1890.
✨ The Necklace Historical Context: Belle Époque
The Belle Époque, or the Third Republic, preceded World War I. It was characterized by optimism, technological progress, and raised interest in art and literature. However, it was also a period of pronounced class differences and wealth inequality, which are reflected in “The Necklace.”
The Belle Époque is often associated with the lavish lifestyles of affluent people. Frequent parties allowed them to show off through beautiful clothes and jewelry. This ties to the importance of the titular necklace from Maupassant’s story for the main heroine.
Another important aspect of the Belle Époque is that the short story format became popular during that time thanks to frequent journal publications. Guy de Maupassant became France’s greatest short story writer and impacted the emergence of realism – a genre whose authors explored the reality surrounding them in minute detail.
And that’s it! We hope you enjoyed this overview of interesting facts. Check out other articles from our study guide to learn more about “The Necklace.”