Introduction
In “The Necklace,” Guy de Maupassant depicts Mathilde’s character transformation through her interactions with various settings.
Discussion
The protagonist begins the story as an unhappy woman dissatisfied with her life and longs for wealth and luxury. However, as the story progresses and Mathilde experiences the consequences of her actions, her character transforms into a more humble and grateful person. Guy de Maupassant uses the various settings in “The Necklace” to illustrate Mathilde’s transformation from a selfish, unhappy woman to an appreciative, humble individual.
The ball at the Ministry of Education is one critical setting contributing to Mathilde’s character development. This event represents Mathilde’s desire for wealth and status as she borrows a necklace to fit in with the upper-class guests (De Maupassant, 113). However, the loss of the chain and the subsequent events that follow force Mathilde to confront the realities of her actions and their impact on others.
Another significant setting is the ten years of Mathilde’s life that she spends repaying the debt from replacing the lost necklace. During this time, Mathilde experiences a profound change as she transforms from a pampered, entitled woman to a hard-working, humble individual (De Maupassant, 115). The grueling work and harsh living conditions lead to her realizing the value of her life and the importance of gratitude and humility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through her interactions with the settings, Mathilde learns important lessons about the consequences of her actions and the importance of appreciating what she has in life. The final scene of Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” brings the story’s irony to a climax with Mathilde’s chance encounter with Jeanne Forestier. This revelation shows the devastating impact of Mathilde’s vanity and desire for material possessions, ultimately leading to her wasting ten years of hard work and suffering for a worthless object.
Work Cited
De Maupassant, Guy. “The necklace.” In the Mind’s Eye. Routledge, 2021. 105-115.