The Diamond Necklace

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

Real Name: Henry Rene Albert Guy de Maupassant
Born: August 5, 1850 France
Died: July 6, 1893 Paris, France

● 19th-century French author regarded as one of the best short story writers in history.
● French naturalist writer of short stories and novels who is by general agreement the greatest French
short story writer.

La Parure (ornament)
tells how a couple’s life is turned upside down when a diamond necklace goes missing.
As you read, discover how the life of the couple changes as a result of the missing necklace.

Summary

Exposition: Mathilde was a beautiful woman who could never afford an elegant lifestyle. She married a
simple clerk and was unsatisfied with her life. Mathilde desired to be wealthy and to catch everyone's
attention.

Conflict: Monsieur Loisel got two invitations to the affluent party. Yet, Mathilde was unhappy, as she had no
clothes or jewelry for the occasion. Her husband gave her money for the dress, and she borrowed a
diamond necklace from Madame Forestier.

Rising Action: Mathilde attended the party and had the best time of her life. She drew everyone’s attention.
The Loisels rapidly left at 4 in the morning. When they arrive home, Mathilde noticed that the necklace was
gone.

Climax: Mathilde informed Madame Forestier that she’s return the necklace later. The Loisels found a
similar necklace to the one lost for 36.000 francs. Loisel took the money he inherited from his father and
borrowed the rest. They replaced the necklace.

Falling Action: The Loisels had to pay the debt off. To do so, Mathilde had to work more. Ten years later,
they paid the debt. Mathilde lost her good look and seemed old.

Resolution: Mathilde walked along the Champs-Elysees and Madame Forestier, who looked young and
beautiful. She approached her friend and said about the replaced diamonds and last 10 years. Madame
Forestier, was shocked, as her original necklace was fake.