About the Author The story of ‘The Necklace’ is a satire that gives a strong

Guy De Maupassant was a great French writer. He was one of message on human values. The very first thing that this lesson
the best short story writers in the world. He was a representative teaches us is that everyone should be content in life with
of the naturalist school of writers. He depicted human lives often whatever little that he has. One should live within one’s means
in pessimistic terms. He wrote more than three hundred stories. or else he invites unnecessary problems, anxieties, and
He also wrote novels, travel books, and poetry. confusion in life. The most important message of the story is
Summary of The Necklace that we should be what we are. There is a facade among most
The story ‘The Necklace’ was written seven hundred years ago of the individuals that they just want to be like someone who
by Guy De Maupassant in France. Matilda Loisel lived in a they are not so that they can be liked by people. But all
small flat with her husband who worked as a clerk for the individuals need to learn the fact that you can't change what
Minister of Education. Matilda was a very pretty young lady. your policy doesn't even need to be like someone. You are best
Neither did they live a luxurious life nor were they poor. Matilda as you are and you are unique in your own way. Every
was very unhappy because she always thought that she was born individual has his/ her own style and if you change that also,
for all luxuries in the world but she had to live a petty and then what will make you unique from others will not be there
simple life. anymore. So you just need to accept yourself and move forward
Her husband brought an invitation to a dinner party organized by to improve yourself by inculcating good qualities in yourself. If
his office. He thought his wife would be excited but instead, she you want to improve yourself then you need to cultivate good
was upset. She complained that she had nothing suitable to wear qualities in yourself so that you can lead the life of a respectable
to such a great occasion. Her husband generously agreed to give person.
her four hundred francs that he had saved to buy a new rifle to It is often observed that people tend to be the ones whom they
get herself a dress. Matilda became anxious in the week of the think people like more and in that process, they eventually lose
party. On asking her she told her husband that she had no their own identity. Self-acceptance is what is lacking in today's
jewellery policy with her gown. He suggested that perhaps she generation. It is not about thinking someone cannot be superior
could borrow something from her friend Jeanne Forestier. to you, it is realizing and accepting the fact that you are not
Jeanne heard her story of distress and she generously opened her inferior to anyone. You should be proud of yourself and learn to
box of jewels. Matilda borrowed a sparkling diamond accept your flaws and weaknesses. Only when you accept your
necklace. Matilda and her husband attended the gala and had a weakness can you improve yourself. If you seriously want to
great time. Matilda looked very pretty, elegant, and graceful. make some positive changes in your life, then start accepting
Everyone at the party noticed her and they all wanted to be yourself just the way you are. False pride or show-off is the
introduced to her. She was so glorified by her beauty that she cause of our sufferings. Mrs Loisel had lost the necklace that she
became very careless. They arrived home in the early hours of had borrowed from her friend and instead of confessing it to the
the morning. When Matilda viewed her glory in the mirror, she owner, she got into more debt and poverty to repay the amount.
realized the necklace was missing. They searched for it The story tells us about the negative effects of pride and vanity
everywhere in the house. They wondered if it fell in the cab that and emphasizes the importance of being content with what one
brought them home but neither of them noticed the number. has.
Matilda’s husband went out to search the streets but returned Conclusion
empty-handed. He also went to the policeman and to the cab The lesson of the story is ‘Honesty is the best policy. If Matilda
offices to raise a complaint. He advertised in the newspaper and honestly told her friend the truth about the necklace, she would
offered a reward. To buy some time from Jeanne, Matilda wrote have learned that the necklace wasn’t made of real diamonds
a letter that she broke the clasp of the necklace and so she sent it and that would have saved her from living a miserable life for
for repair. In the meantime, they found a similar kind of ten years.
necklace. The cost of the necklace was thirty-six thousand It is a fact that many times people either hide the truth or they
francs. Her husband inherited eighteen thousand francs from his just simply lie so that they can get saved from punishment or the
father and he borrowed the rest of the amount from the anger of their loved ones. However, it should always be kept in
moneylenders. Finally, they purchased the necklace and Matilda mind that the ones close to us will never hold us responsible for
gave it to Jeanne who did not care to look at it. Matilda’s life little follies, only if we tell the truth and accept our mistakes.
changed dramatically in the next ten years. They moved to a
much smaller apartment where she cooked and cleaned herself. Questions: (Question and Answer Approach)
Her husband did multiple jobs and she also did other work to
pay all the money they had borrowed. After ten years, they were 1. What was the motivation of Mathilde Loisel in buying a fine
able to pay all the money back but by then Matilda had aged a dress and barrowing what she thought was an expensive piece of
lot. jewellery?
One day, Matilda met Jeanne Forestier. She decided to confess 2. How does the author describe Mathilde Loisel? How does this
the truth about the necklace. Jeanne was surprised to see affect your opinion of her? Do you know anyone like her? What
Matilda’s state. Matilda told her that she had lost the necklace are they like?
that she borrowed from her and had to pay a huge amount for 3. Why do you think she had such a good time at the ball?
the replacement. Jeanne was shocked to hear the entire story 4. Describe what happened after she lost the necklace-up to
behind the necklace and she confessed that the necklace Matilda when she met Madame Forestier
borrowed was a fake, which was not more than worth five 5. What was her motivation in replacing the necklace? What
hundred francs. does this say about her?
Theme of the Story
Reflection Question:
 Explain Mathilde Loisel’s attitude toward
honesty.What would change about her situation-indeed,
her whole life-if she were more honest?