Page 35 - DENG105_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_II

Elective English–II

Notes Loisel will be plunged into deeper poverty than they have ever known; but for now, she has
immersed herself completely in the illusion of wealth. In her expensive dress for which her
husband had to sacrifice, and in the necklace that does not even belong to her, she is filling
the role she believes she deserves. In this moment, nothing else matters.

2.7 Summary

• “The Necklace” is a short story that gives an important moral. You should always be
grateful for what you have, as things can always be worse. The narrator introduces us
to a girl. We don’t know her name yet, but apparently she’s charming, attractive, and,
believes that she should have been born into a rich family. Instead she wound up in
a family of “employees” and ended up marrying a “little clerk” in Department of
Education. Our ordinary girl is convinced that she’s meant for the extraordinary life of
a fabulously rich girl. She hates her own humble surroundings and spends her time
dreaming about fancy tapestries and tall footmen. While her husband slurps his stew
she imagines grand banquets.

• A life of luxury is all the girl wants – it’s what she’s made for. But sadly, she doesn’t
lead the luxurious life of which she dreams. Consequently, she spends all her days
weeping and feeling sorry for herself. One evening, the girl’s husband comes in with
a large envelope. She tears it open to find that she and her husband – M. and Mme.
(“Monsieur and Madame) Loisel – have been invited to a fancy party at the Minister
of Education’s palace. Her husband can’t wait to see her reaction. Mme. Loisel is not
happy about this. She’s got nothing to wear. This is enough to send her into tears.
• M. Loisel feels awful, and asks his wife, Mathilde, how much a simple, pretty dress for
the ball would cost. Mathilde stops to think it over—how much can she ask for before
her husband flips out—and at last tells him four hundred francs would probably do it.
M Loisel agrees to give Mathilde four hundred francs. There goes that new gun he’d
been saving for.
• The date of the party approaches, and Mathilde is in a bad mood again. This time it’s
jewels: she doesn’t have any to wear over her dress. M. Loisel suggests she wear
flowers, but Mathilde will have none of that. M. Loisel suggests that Mathilde borrow
some jewels from her rich friend Mme. Forestier. Now there’s an idea.
• The next day, Mathilde visits Mme. Forestier and tells her about her situation. Mme.
Forestier brings out a big box of jewels and tells Mathilde to pick whatever she wants.
Mathilde isn’t satisfied with anything she sees, but then Mme. Forestier brings her
another box containing a spectacular diamond necklace. Mathilde is beside herself. It’s
the only thing she wants! Mme. Forestier agrees to let her borrow it.
• The evening of the party arrives, and Mathilde is a smash hit. All the men—including
the Minister—notice her. She’s in the heaven. Her husband, meanwhile, has also been
having a great time: he’s been off dozing in a corner since midnight. When it’s four
o’clock and at last time to go, M. Loisel brings the coats. But Mathilde is self-conscious:
her coat is so shabby compared to the rest of her appearance. So she dashes off into the
street to avoid being seen.
• M. Loisel follows Mathilde into the streets, and they spend a long time wandering
around, shivering, and looking for a carriage. At last they find one and head back
home, glumly. Mathilde doesn’t want to go back to her ordinary life, and M. Loisel
doesn’t want to get up for work at 10 am. As soon as they enter the house, Mathilde

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