logo

51 pages 1 hour read

The Necklace

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1884

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Literary Devices

Irony

Maupassant weaves irony throughout the story. One example is Mathilde’s preoccupation with wealth, luxury, and social status. Her obsession with these things ultimately leads to the opposite—a life of poverty that she would have avoided had she been content with what she had. An additional irony is that Mathilde proves she can work hard to reach lofty financial ambitions, but the labor is only a means to pay back a debt rather than save for something in the future. Had Mathilde simply worked to attain the lifestyle she desired, she would likely have been able to attain it. Her lust for material things causes her to want what she thinks is the most valuable of Madame Forestier's jewels. But she finds that it carries no value and ultimately takes away what she already had.

Another example of irony is the story of the necklace itself. Because of Mathilde’s desire to have jewelry worthy of notice and admiration, she is driven to take what she thinks is the most valuable piece of Madame Forestier’s collection. While this necklace does help her gain the attention of the ball guests, it is worthless and serves only as a means of teaching Mathilde to live within her means and find pride and happiness in doing so.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 51 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools