The antagonist in Maupassant’s novel is not so much a person as a negative feeling. The female characters in the book are united by envy. The desire to seem better and more prosperous than they also team them up. This feeling brings trouble to the family of the main character.
Detailed answer:
The simple logic of the “naked” plot asserts that it is dangerous to borrow someone else’s expensive thing. Maupassant leads the reader to social and moral conclusions. They are peculiar to realistic literature. The writer doesn’t impose his opinion on the audience. Besides, he tries to be as objective as possible, hiding in his narration. The story makes the reader think about life. It expands the novel’s plot to the level of social analysis.
The writer is sure: in a world where money reigns, it is easy to destroy all the people’s best dreams. It is also possible to empty their souls to form false ideas in their minds. In the harsh world of material values, a fake trinket is enough for this purpose.
The social structure’s injustice is most difficult for mentally unable people to resist greed and envy. The writer shows his skill in revealing broad social and moral problems in a single life situation. Maupassant describes hypocrisy, bigotry, and venality. He talks about the shameless pursuit of imaginary brilliance in the short story.
The event in the novel (the loss of a fake diamond necklace) could have occurred in real everyday life. Matilda Loiselle, who is dreaming of living luxuriously, is typical of this genre character. She dresses gracefully and having success in society. Nevertheless, she does not receive anything and even loses what she has in a moment of happiness.
Maupassant portrays his hero – “a sincere one, satisfied with his life, work, and loving his wife.” He knows how to enjoy such trifles as cabbage soup and treats his wife and whims with compassion. Matilda’s husband values his real name calmly and with dignity.
Matilda destroys her life with her desires. The dream to appear wealthy and successful makes her find herself in poverty. Matilda herself is her enemy as she spoils her destiny. There is a loving and faithful husband next to her, ready to help; however, this is not enough for her.
The book’s antagonist can be Matilda’s friend’s actions since she gives the heroine a fake necklace. However, they share the same sense of striving for exemplary happiness and prosperity. It is impossible to say that Matilda’s wealthy friend desires to look rich out of spite. The fact is that she wants to look successful in the eyes of society.
The inner fear of looking poor is the main antagonist of the book. It is this feeling that pushes the characters to do stupid things. In the novel, there are no negative characters as such, seeking to harm the environment. People’s uncertainty spoils their lives, which Maupassant demonstrates. The characters ruin their own lives with their actions. While making decisions, they suffer from inner self-doubt.
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