Themes: Beauty and Vanity
Early in the story, it is noted that “with women there is neither caste nor rank; and beauty, grace, and charm act instead of family and birth.” It could therefore be expected that Mathilde’s beauty puts her in the position of being able to transform her life, even without a dowry or “means of being known.” Yet it is noted that she “let herself” be married to her husband, a passive action that connotes a type of weakness despite her great beauty. Mathilde’s moment to shine finally arrives at the ball, and she relishes this opportunity to showcase her social graces and stunning beauty. She is “prettier than them all,” captivating the entire room of men, and this makes her “crazy with joy.” This moment, the pinnacle of all Mathilde has dreamed of, is short-lived. Instead of entering a higher social realm through her attendance at the ball, Mathilde is forever shut out of this wealthy sphere because of her decision to focus her efforts on her physical beauty. In losing the necklace, Mathilde is thrust into a different lifestyle which robs her of the beauty she had once hoped would be her salvation from a mundane life. Mathilde’s outer beauty brings her a fleeting moment of social success, but it doesn’t prove capable of altering her social status or happiness. If Mathilde had proven herself less self-focused, her vanity may not have brought her to both monetary and physical ruin.
Expert Q&A
Why was Mathilde unhappy despite her beauty and charm?
Mathilde is unhappy despite her beauty and charm because she desires a luxurious lifestyle beyond her means. Living in a modest apartment with a minor civil servant husband, she envies the wealth and opulence of the upper class. Her dissatisfaction leads to a tragic loss of a borrowed necklace, plunging her into poverty, though she eventually shows resilience and possibly grows as a person.
How does Mathilde from "The Necklace" demonstrate vanity?
Explain the statement: "Women's beauty, grace, and charm replace the need for birth and breeding."
This statement suggests that a woman's intrinsic qualities like beauty, grace, and charm can substitute for the advantages typically associated with noble birth or social status. Madame Loisel exemplifies this idea; despite lacking wealth or family prestige, her natural elegance and attractiveness make her appear as refined as someone from a high-ranking family. However, her dissatisfaction and sense of entitlement, stemming from her beauty, ultimately lead to her downfall and loss of these attributes.
Why does Mathilde's husband tolerate her vanity despite their differing views in "The Necklace"?
Mathilde's husband tolerates her vanity because he genuinely wants to make her happy, despite their differing views. He is thoughtful, generous, and willing to see the best in people and situations. His love for Mathilde motivates him to overlook her materialism and dissatisfaction, as evidenced by his eagerness to please her, such as procuring an invitation to a prestigious event and giving her money to buy a dress for the occasion.
Madame Loisel's Flaws and Hubris in "The Necklace"
In Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace," Mathilde Loisel's flaws are rooted in her excessive pride, vanity, and materialism. She longs for a luxurious lifestyle beyond her means, leading to dissatisfaction with her middle-class life. Her hubris drives her to borrow a necklace to impress at a ball, but losing it results in years of hardship as she and her husband replace it. Ironically, the necklace was a fake, highlighting the futility of her pride and desire for admiration.
Madame Loisel's Aspirations and the Symbolism of the Necklace
In Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace," Madame Loisel's aspirations for high society mirror the false allure of the borrowed necklace. Both represent illusions; Madame Loisel's dreams are unattainable due to her modest social standing, much like the necklace's fake diamonds. Her discontent with her life leads to misfortune when she loses the necklace, only to discover its true worthlessness. The story critiques unrealistic aspirations and highlights the importance of appreciating what one already has.
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