The Necklace’s Protagonist: Mathilde’s Struggle for Identity

Many works of literature explore life and raise diverse discussions. For instance, The Necklace encourages conversations on the importance of wealth. The story follows the experiences of M. and Mme. Loisel. One day, the couple receives an invitation to a fancy ball (de Maupassant 19). Mathilde, the wife, borrows a diamond necklace to wear to the event (de Maupassant 21). When the woman loses the jewelry, the family has to repay debts to replace the necklace (de Maupassant 24). Mathilde changes from a person who values wealth to a hard-working woman.

At the story’s beginning, Mathilde is described as unhappy about her life. Mathilde has no prospects or advantages besides being good-looking (de Maupassant 18). She marries Loisel, who works as a clerk and manages to provide his wife with simple necessities (de Maupassant 18). Believing that she deserves a more elegant lifestyle, Mathilde becomes bitter with her modest spouse (de Maupassant 18). The woman dreams of being surrounded by men and envied by other ladies (de Maupassant 18). Mme. Loisel does not think of ways to earn money or of her spouse’s efforts. Instead, she remains unsatisfied and continuously wants more (de Maupassant 21). Mathilde’s unwillingness to improve her situation may be due to societal norms (de Maupassant 18). Mathilde is not poor but is unpleased with her position.

Mme. Loisel’s personality transforms when she loses the borrowed jewelry. Overwhelmed with the forfeiture, Mme. Loisel does not know what to do (de Maupassant 23). She relies on her husband, who takes multiple loans to resolve the situation (de Maupassant 24). Nonetheless, Mathilde begins supporting her spouse for the first time in her life. Determined to pay the debt, Mathilde starts to work and earn money (de Maupassant 25). The couple cuts down their spending and resorts to a humbler existence (de Maupassant 24). Despite turning rough, Mme. Loisel becomes strong and heroic (de Maupassant 25). Mathilde learns that the existence of the needy is dreadful (de Maupassant 24). Accordingly, Mathilde becomes poor but finds the strength to labor.

To summarize, Mathilde transforms from being concerned with wealth to becoming a hard-working woman. Before losing the necklace, Mme. Loisel spends her days dreaming of luxury. However, after the incident, Mathilde learns that even affording necessities requires much effort. Therefore, The Necklace tells a story of discontent and the need to work and shows that being greedy and yearning for wealth may not end well.

Work Cited

de Maupassant, Guy. The Necklace and Other Tales. The Modern Library, 2003.

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StudyCorgi. (2023) 'The Necklace’s Protagonist: Mathilde’s Struggle for Identity'. 8 August.

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StudyCorgi. "The Necklace’s Protagonist: Mathilde’s Struggle for Identity." August 8, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/mathilde-in-the-necklace-by-guy-de-maupassant-essay-examples/.

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StudyCorgi. 2023. "The Necklace’s Protagonist: Mathilde’s Struggle for Identity." August 8, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/mathilde-in-the-necklace-by-guy-de-maupassant-essay-examples/.

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