Student Question

What does the statement "All was ended for her" from "The Necklace" mean? Could it have multiple meanings?

Quick answer:

The statement "All was ended for her" signifies that Madame Loisel's brief experience of luxury and attention at the reception has concluded, returning her to her ordinary life. It also foreshadows the drastic change in her circumstances after losing the necklace, marking the end of her dreams of wealth. This moment represents both the end of her fantasy and the beginning of a decade of hardship to repay the debt incurred by the necklace's loss.

Expert Answers

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In The Necklace the quote,"All was ended for her" was said when the reception was over and Mr. and Mrs. Loisel were dropped off at their apartment.  This quote meant that she was back to reality and out of her fantasy world of being the upper class.  At the reception she was the center of attention and she was elegant  Every man was at her beck and call and she felt good about herself.  When she was dropped off she knew the dream was over and she was back to a "normal life". 

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The literal meaning is as you have suggested. The party is over, and the wonderful night Madame Loisel has had with the wealthy is also over. This also foreshadows the scene that follows, however. Madame Loisel discovers the necklace isn't around her neck, and this means her life as she has known it up to now is also over. Her hopes and dreams of joining the wealthy elite are dashed since she and her husband will now have to work for ten years to pay for the lost necklace. By the end, Madame Loisel looks older than she should and has had a much more difficult life than she would have had if she had been honest.

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