The Symbolic Significance of the Necklace: A Thought-Provoking Reflection on The Necklace in English
The Necklace is a poignant short story written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884, originally in French. It tells the story of Madame Mathilde Loisel, a middle-class woman who dreams of a luxurious life filled with wealth and social status. Despite her devoted husband's modest income, Madame Loisel is discontent with her existence and longs for the glitz and glamour of the upper echelons of society. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a gala arises, she borrows an elegant necklace from a friend, but the misfortune of losing it leaves her entrapped in a life of poverty and misery. In this essay, we will examine the symbolic significance of the necklace and the thought-provoking reflection it induces.
The necklace, which serves as the story's central symbol, is a representation of societal values and the superficiality of human desires. In the story, Madame Loisel views the necklace as a means to climb the social ladder, an accessory that would elevate her from her lower status and position her as a member of the elite class. It is, therefore, more than just an accessory; it is a status symbol, a visual reminder of her desire to live beyond her means. This symbolism underscores the public's attitudes and aspirations towards wealth, social class, and appearance. Society values appearance and material possessions over emotional, spiritual, or ethical values, which is why the necklace holds such power over Madame Loisel's life. It, therefore, represents the cyclical nature of human desires, the never-ending quest for the unattainable, and the cost of pursuing false values.
Furthermore, the narrative explores the theme of deception, highlighting the unfulfilling nature of a life spent trying to impress others through falsehood. Before the incident, Madame Loisel is not fully honest with her husband about her desires, and she repeatedly demands that he help her buy expensive clothes and jewelry. She presents herself as someone who is vain and frivolous, all jargons of society, but deep down, she is just a woman craving security and validation. Madame Loisel's dishonesty ultimately leads to the tragic turn of events at the ball – she loses the necklace, conceals it from her friend, and replaces it, paying an exorbitant fee that plunges her into debt. By perpetuating this lie, she sets herself up for disaster and a lifetime of misery. Deception, in the form of dishonesty, harms those who participate in it and those on whom it is forced, as it violates trust and damages relationships.
Moreover, the symbolism of the necklace extends beyond materialism and deception to encompass Madame Loisel's emotional journey. It is a metaphor for her quest for identity and self-realization, and her eventual acceptance of her position in life. The necklace, which represents her original desire for social status, underwent a change that illuminated her situation. During the incident, the necklace is lost, forcing Madame Loisel to confront her reality and redefine her goals. The necklace served as a stumbling block to her self-discovery and prevented her from recognizing her worth beyond material possessions. Through extreme hardship, Madame Loisel realizes that true happiness and contentment are found within oneself and not in the pursuit of attaining societal status.
In conclusion, The Necklace is a thought-provoking reflection of human desire, deception, and self-discovery. Through the symbolic representation of the necklace, the author deconstructs societal values of materialism, superficiality, and the pursuit of the unattainable. Moreover, it calls for honesty, self-reflection, and self-worth to live a fulfilling life. It is a timeless story that continues to resonate with readers in the 21st Century and remains an essential piece of literature that encapsulates the dangers of societal pressure and conformity.
References:
Maupassant, G. (2005). The Necklace. In G. W. Harris (Ed.), Short Stories for Students. Detroit: Thomson Gale.
Schafer, J. (2012). Deception, Point of View, and Characterization in ‘The Necklace’: Guy de Maupassant. Retrieved October 16, 2021 from https://culturacolectiva.com/books/deception-point-of-view-and-characterization-in-the-necklace-guy-de-maupassant
Society and Class in ‘The Necklace’ by Guy de Maupassant. (2018). Retrieved October 16, 2021, from https://www.thoughtco.com/the-necklace-by-guy-de-maupassant-739492.
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