Themes: Social Class
Social class is a central theme in "The Necklace," driving the plot and shaping the characters' lives. Mathilde Loisel, the protagonist, is deeply dissatisfied with her middle-class status and yearns for the luxury and prestige of the upper classes. Her desire to appear wealthier than she is leads to her downfall, illustrating the destructive nature of social pretensions and vanity.
Mathilde's envy of the wealthy stems from her belief that she was "born to enjoy all delicacies and all luxuries." She is tormented by her modest surroundings and feels entitled to a life of opulence, despite having no background or means to support such a lifestyle. Her fixation on wealth and status is exacerbated by her friendship with Madame Forestier, a wealthy woman who lends Mathilde the necklace that becomes the story's focal point.
Mathilde suffered ceaselessly, feeling herself born to enjoy all delicacies and all luxuries. She was distressed at the poverty of her dwelling, at the bareness of the walls, at the shabby chairs, the ugliness of the curtains.
Mathilde's character is marked by materialism and superficiality. She dreams of a life filled with expensive items and social admiration. Her desire to be envied and admired leads her to borrow Madame Forestier's necklace, which she believes is genuine. This decision, driven by her longing for a higher social status, results in years of hardship when she loses the necklace and must replace it.
She had no dresses, no jewels, nothing. And she loved nothing but that; she felt made for that. She would so have liked to please, to be envied, to be charming, to be sought after.
Mathilde's belief in a "mistake of destiny" reflects her conviction that she belongs to a higher social class than her circumstances suggest. This belief fuels her dissatisfaction and leads her to make choices that ultimately ruin her life. Her inability to recognize the fake nature of the necklace mirrors her own misguided self-perception and the illusion of social class she tries to project.
Expert Q&A
Why did Mathilde Loisel dismiss her servant?
Mathilde Loisel dismissed her servant to economize after losing a borrowed diamond necklace, which led to a huge debt. Her husband's financial strain forced them to cut costs drastically, and dismissing the maid was a significant measure. Mathilde, once dissatisfied with a single maid, now faced arduous housework herself, including laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning, which took a toll on her physical appearance and lifestyle, contrasting sharply with her previous dreams of luxury.
Does the author of "The Necklace" believe that "women have no caste or class"? Is it easier for young married women to fulfill their dreams today? What does the necklace symbolize?
The author of "The Necklace" suggests that superficial traits like charm and beauty can elevate a woman's social standing, reflecting Mathilde's shallow perspective. Today, young women have more opportunities to fulfill their dreams through skills and talents. The necklace symbolizes Mathilde's superficiality and the injustices of the class system; it appears valuable but is worthless, paralleling Mathilde's own vanity and the deception she lives by, ultimately leading to her downfall.
What causes the Loisels' financial change in "The Necklace"?
The Loisels' financial decline is triggered by Madame Loisel losing a borrowed necklace, believed to be expensive, at a party. To replace it, they spend 36,000 francs, forcing them into debt. They endure a decade of hardship, giving up luxuries, dismissing their maid, moving to a poorer apartment, and taking on extra work. Ironically, they later learn the original necklace was a mere imitation.
In "The Necklace," why do visits to her rich friend fill the young woman with despair?
In "The Necklace," visits to her rich friend fill Mathilde Loisel with despair because they highlight her own unfulfilled desires for wealth and status. Mathilde believes she deserves a luxurious life, feeling entitled to privilege and fame. Her extravagant dreams and dissatisfaction with her reality lead to a constant sense of inadequacy and sadness after seeing her friend's opulent lifestyle, which she longs for but cannot attain.
In "The Necklace", does Monsieur Loisel desire status as desperately as his wife?
Monsieur Loisel does not desire status as desperately as his wife, Madame Loisel. He is content with simple pleasures, such as their modest dinner, and does not concern himself with appearances. His actions, like securing the palace invitation and offering his savings for her dress, are meant to please his wife rather than fulfill personal aspirations for status. Unlike Madame Loisel, he is not preoccupied with materialism or social standing.
The lesson of "The Necklace" and its connection to real-life situations
The lesson of "The Necklace" is about the dangers of vanity and materialism. Mathilde's desire for a luxurious lifestyle leads to her downfall when she loses a borrowed necklace and spends years repaying the debt. This story highlights the importance of honesty and contentment, as many real-life situations involve people facing consequences for prioritizing appearances over reality.
How does the Loisels' lifestyle change before and after the loss of "The Necklace"?
The Loisels' lifestyle changes drastically before and after the loss of "The Necklace." Initially, they live a modest middle-class life, which Mathilde finds unsatisfactory due to her desire for luxury. After losing the necklace, they face severe financial hardship, incurring debt to replace it. They move to a small garret, dismiss their servant, and Mathilde takes on all household chores. Her husband works multiple jobs, and after ten years, their debts are paid, but Mathilde is aged and weary.
What does the sentence "She lived like the poor lived, not what she thought was poverty earlier on" from "The Necklace" mean?
This sentence from "The Necklace" describes the change we see in Mathilde later in the story. She is entitled, spoiled, and miserable with her life. She feels that she deserves better, and she often dreams of having more and nicer possessions. She considers herself poor and feels sorry for herself. She learns the true meaning of poverty when she loses her friend's necklace and is forced to make sacrifices and work long, hard hours to pay for a replacement.
Was Mme. Loisel's downfall a result of her own actions or a product of society?
Mme. Loisel's downfall in "The Necklace" can be attributed to both her own actions and societal pressures. Her desire for wealth and status leads her to borrow a necklace, reflecting her materialistic values and pride. While society values appearances, it is ultimately her decision not to confess the loss that results in years of hardship. Thus, her downfall is a mix of personal responsibility and societal influence on her perceptions of worth.
What leads to the Loisels' financial crisis?
The Loisels' financial crisis begins when they lose a borrowed diamond necklace and must replace it. Originally, they live modestly but not in extreme poverty, with Madame Loisel unhappy about their circumstances. After losing the necklace, they endure ten years of severe poverty to repay the debt incurred to replace it. Ironically, they later discover the necklace was an imitation, making their financial sacrifice unnecessary.
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