The exposition of the story reveals the protagonists’ traits. The reflection of the public opinion of Maupassant’s generation is the toll to achieve the goal. The show exhibits the inner conflict between characters. Matilda is unhappy with her social position and dreams of being rich.
Detailed answer:
In the exposition, the author shows the structure of life and the main character’s qualities. Matilda is a weak and beautiful girl, longing for a better life. She wants to be among high-status people. The female strives for everything dear and aristocratic. But she realizes that she has nothing to wear for an evening in a ministry where her husband works.
The exposition of the book reflects the character of the protagonist. She is unhappy with her social position and dreams of being rich. Matilda, despite her current financial situation, craves everyone’s attention and approval.
Together with the introduction of Matilda, the reader learns about her husband. He works as an official and is not rich. He truly loves his wife, does his job faithfully, and enjoys little things. There is a moment at the beginning of the text when the couple sits down to eat. Matilda’s husband is glad to have cabbage soup for lunch – the easiest dish that can exist. The heroine herself, at the same time, regrets her fate.
It becomes possible to say that the author reveals the actual state of people’s minds through the characters. During the end of the 19th century, society puts status on top of its desires. As a result, people do not care about anything else but looking noble and wealthy.