Malig-on, Jeann V.

BSED-ENGLISH 2
Contemporary Popular, and Emergent Literature/3358
04-07-2024

Q1. Is the story fiction or nonfiction? Why do you say so?

- Based from the story entitled “The necklace", it is the story that present wealth and status that the
character "Mathilde" longs for but cannot attain. It was written by an author named Guy de Maupassant,
that was published in 1884. The characters name, plot, theme, setting of the story was imaginatively
created. As if it only presented in the story because it will serve as the elements to show the message,
lessons, and awareness to its readers. Moreover, the story's flow is not based on real life events. Fictional
stories was invented through author's imaginations, which involve the author's creativity to aid and craft
entertaining tales.

Q2. What type and elements of fictions are used in the story?

The elements of fiction used in the story are point of view, settings, characters, plot and conflict, main
effect, and theme and symbols. The work "The Necklace" falls under the genre of fiction. It is a short story,
originally titled in French, La Parure.

Activity 1.2

Summary of the short story “The Necklace”

Mathilde Loisel, was one of those pretty girls born, as if by error of fate, into a family of clerks. She
dresses plainly because she can’t afford anything better, but she is unhappy with this reality as if she had
once been wealthy. One night at dinner his husband happily told Mathilde about this formal event and
instead of being happy with the news Mathilde got angry because she had no luxury dresses and jewels to
wear at the event. His husband love her so much so he gave her money to buy a fine dress, but Mathilde is
not contented with it, she want to wear a stone jewel because she don’t want to look cheap at the party.
Later on they decided to borrow a jewel to her friend Madame Forestier, she picked the superb diamond
necklace. The day of the party arrived, everyone notices her even the minister himself, she was the
prettiest at the party, men were looking at her and they wanted to dance waltz with her. While travelling
back to their home she notice that she is not wearing the diamond necklace anymore. They tried to look for
it but they can’t find it anywhere. They replaced it it with another diamond necklace. She need to work
because of that, she has to pay what she had bought just to replace the necklace of Madame Forestier.
She spend ten years of her life in poverty trying to replace the diamond necklace. One Sunday, while she is
out for a walk, Mathilde spots Madame Forestier. Feeling emotional, she approaches her and offers
greetings. Madame Forestier does not recognize her, and when Mathilde identifies herself, Madame
Forestier cannot help but exclaim that she looks different. Mathilde says that the change was on her
account and explains to her the long saga of losing the necklace, replacing it, and working for ten years to
repay the debts. At the end of her story, Madame Forestier clasps her hands and tells Mathilde the original
necklace was just costume jewelry and not worth anything.

ANALYSIS/INTERPRETATION

The short story entitled “The Necklace" by guy de maupassant is indeed enthralling, the creation of the
author's imaginative mind in using the different elements that shows clarity and excavate the hidden and
logical messages, lessons and symbolisms into the complexities of human desires, life status, and specially
the consequences of every actions.

In the story, the character named “Mathilde" represent the different aspects of human desires, it portrays
woman whose longing for wealth, discontentment, boastfulness and status that leads her down a path of
hardship, regret and disillusionment.

The counterpart of the story lies the theme of greediness, vanity, appearance and life status. This story
shows how our selfish acts and materialism are destructive and can lead to a hard and dissatisfying life. It
is how mathilde's obsession with material possessions and social standing blinds herself to the true value
of life and relationship. Her being was consumed by desire to appear wealthy, and elegant at the party.
Believing that this superficial qualities Make her feel satisfaction and fulfillment. Yet, her expected image to
the people only worsen her illusions that only serves to alienate her from her lover and cause her into debt
and despair.

The author, Guy de Maupassant apply irony the shows the highlight of pointlessness to Mathilde's
character with regard s to her aspirations. The necklace in the story that was borrowed by Mathilde's
husband, symbolized social status, in which Mathilde believes to be a presentation of great wealth, but to
ultimately the source of her downfall. The main character in the story experience idiotism, the moment they
lose the necklace, which turn to be fake, revealing the emptiness of her pursuit and fragility of her
perceived social status. With this twist, the author shows the lesson and message of story reminding its
reader the true value lies not in material positions but in inner qualities such as our nature of integrity and
humility.

In conclusion, The story of “The Necklace" written by Guy de Maupassant, presents a better life for
Mathilde and a great realizations upon things that we tend to have and the symbol of greed and false
status. It is a piogment exploration of human nature and the pursuit of happiness. Through its rich
characterization, intricate plots, and a catchy interesting provoking themes, The author's masterpiece
continues to captivate readers and gives realization to reflect on the timeless complexities of the human
experiences.