THE NECKLACE

By Guy de Maupassant
 TIME AND PLACE

aris, France

uring the late 1800s

 BACKGROUND INFO

n late 1800s, society in Paris had a rigid class structure.

ristocrats were at the top of the social ladder. They had

wealth, large estates, and many servants.
 BACKGROUND INFO

elow the aristocrats was the middle class. These consisted of merchants, clerks, government
workers, and others.

iddle class families generally lived in modest homes or apartments and could afford to hire a
servant or two.

hey were not starving or poor, however they did have a lot less money and social stature as the
aristocrats.

IDDLE-CLASS WOMEN DID NOT WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME. ONLY MEN WORKED.
 BACKGROUND INFO

elow the middle class, there was a huge number of peasants and servants who worked
for the rich or farmed the land.

eople would try to own material goods to make themselves look higher in society than
they were.

oth men and women in the lowest class worked hard labor with long hours for the rich.
 CONNECTING TO THE STORY

n “The Necklace,” a character wishes she owned something far

more costly than she can afford.

rite three reasons why a person might want to have expensive

things. Use at least three of these words: obtain, impress, exceed,
and identify.
 GUY DE MAUPASSANT

rote short stories that are realistic and pessimistic. Often have
surprise endings.

The Necklace” is perhaps his most widely read story.

e was interested in the psychology of his characters.

 Mini French Lesson

. = Monsieur = Mr.

me. = Madame = Mrs.

o, a M. would be married to a Mme.