The Necklace | Essays and Criticism

  • Surprise and Mystery in "The Necklace"

    In the following essay, Pierce comments upon the surprise ending in ''The Necklace'' and its correlation to the mystery genre.

  • The Necklace

    In the following excerpt, the critics examine Maupassant's treatment of time in ‘‘The Necklace,’’ in which he alternates between dramatic action and narrative summary.

  • The Technical Struggle: On Subject

    In the following excerpt, O'Faolain asserts that the cleverness of ‘‘The Necklace’’ lies not in the surprise ending but in its realistic portrayal of human relationships and society.

  • The Necklace

    In the following excerpt, Steegmuller maintains that the shock ending of ‘‘The Necklace’’ is the highlight of the story, condemning Maupassant's portrayal of relationships as "vague and unconvincing" and his plot as improbable. Steegmuller also asserts that while Maupassant has a reputation as a specialist in surprise endings, only a few of his stories actually conclude in this manner.

  • American Writers after Poe

    In the following excerpt, Bates discusses Maupassant's ability to combine trick and tragedy into one, asserting that in "The Necklace" it is clear that the author was completely aware of the limitations of the surprise ending.

  • The Woof—Plot

    In the following excerpt, Bement offers an interpretation of Maupassant's development of the plot of "The Necklace," believing he may have considered the implications of both greed and innocence to form his story.