9. The Necklace by Maupassant
1. THEME OF THE STORY OR THE VALUE OF CHANCE OR THE ROLE OF FATE
Q. No. 1: In the drama of human life, chance is more powerful than human resolutions. Discuss with reference to “The Necklace”. OR How singular life is and how full of changes! How small a thing will ruin or save one” thinks Matilda in “The Necklace”. OR Write a critical note on the story “The Necklace”.
Answer: The story “The Necklace” contains a very sublime idea that no one knows what the future has in store for him. Sometimes, chances or small events play a very crucial role in human life. They can make as well as mar our life.
Matilda becomes happy with the idea of becoming a part of the ball but soon she is dejected because she has no jewellery and fine dress to attend that party. She buys a fine dress but borrows the necklace from her friend to attend the party. After attending the party, she discovers that she has lost the necklace. They buy a new necklace to replace the necklace and give it to her friend but she has to lead the life of a working woman. After ten years, she meets her friend from whom she borrows the necklace. But when she discovers that the necklace was an imitation, she says: “How strange life is! How fickle! How little is needed to ruin or save!” It shows that chance is more powerful than human resolution. Man is helpless before his destiny. (Words: 182)
2. A STORY OF HUMAN PRIDE AND VANITY OR NECKLACE AS A TRAGIC STORY (V.IMP)
Q. No.2: “The Necklace” is a tragedy of a vain, proud and showy woman. Do you agree? OR Do you think that Matilda is responsible for her tragedy? Discuss. OR What price has Matilda to pay for her vanity? Discuss.
Answer: “The Necklace” is a tragic story of a proud, vain and showy woman. In the story, we meet Matilda who is a poor girl. But she is vain and showy woman. She has craze for jewellery and fine dresses. She is wedded to a poor clerk. Her craze to shine in the public meetings ruins her life. She borrows a necklace from her friend to attend the dance party. But unluckily she loses it and replaces it with an identical diamond necklace. From here her tragedy begins. Both the husband and wife work like oxen. They grow old early before their ages. Her worry becomes intense and severe when she comes to know that the necklace was a fake one.
Matilda and her husband seem to be partly responsible for their misfortune. Matilda wishes to get what is beyond her resources. Her husband should have also advised her to be realistic and cut her oat according to her cloth. Then when the necklace is lost, they do not speak to the owner about it. Their false sense of pride and reservation makes them suffer from too long misery. Chance also plays a negative role in their case. (Words: 197)
3. MATILDA’S LIFE AFTER THE LOSS OF NECKLACE
Q. No. 3: Write a note on Matilda’s life after the loss of necklace. Answer: After the loss of necklace, Matilda becomes a working woman. She washes the dishes and the dirty clothes herself. She also fetches water. She stops at each landing to breath. She goes to bazaar to buy daily provisions of life. She cleans the floor of her house in large pails of water. She throws garbage herself. She becomes a “Woman of people.” She grows old early. She is so changed that it becomes difficult for Madam Forestier to recognize her. She tells Madam Forestier the whole story. But Madam Forestier tells her that the necklace was only imitation. She is frustrated.
At this, she tells Forestier very heartily: “And it had taken us ten years to pay for it. You can understand it was not easy for us who have nothing. But it is finished, and I am decently content.” The word “Decently content” compels us to praise her character and we like her at the end of the story. (Words: 158)
Q.No.4: Why is The Necklace by Maupassant the best short story?
Undoubtedly, The Necklace by Maupassant stands out as a masterpiece of short fiction. In fact, its power lies in simplicity, emotional depth, and a brilliant twist ending. Throughout the story, Maupassant explores how fate, rather than human effort, ultimately shapes life. For example, Matilda, a poor yet proud woman, borrows a necklace to attend a party. However, she loses it and, due to pride, replaces it without telling her friend. As a result, she and her husband suffer ten years of hardship to repay the debt. Eventually, they learn the necklace was fake.
Because of this twist, the story becomes unforgettable. Moreover, Maupassant uses irony masterfully to reveal how pride and vanity can destroy lives. Matilda’s desire to appear rich, instead, brings real poverty. Therefore, her tragedy is not only personal—it also reflects a universal truth about appearances, honesty, and human weakness.
Although the story is short, it leaves a deep emotional impact. Readers immediately feel Matilda’s pain, pride, and heartbreak. Even today, it remains highly relevant. Clearly, it reminds us how small decisions can shape our future.
All in all, through sharp irony and strong realism, The Necklace by Maupassant delivers a timeless message that continues to resonate.
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