💍💎The Necklace💎💍

3. Other readers argue that, although Mathilde matured during this time, she wasn't completely transformed. Give two pieces of evidence from the end of the story that show Mathilde is still not a completely mature person.

Although she is working hard, Mathilde still daydreams of her glorious moment at the ball. She takes a Sunday walk along the Champs Elysées, a fashionable street where she can't afford anything in the stores. This is almost like she's torturing herself with window shopping. Finally, there's a line in the tale (..."I've had plenty of trouble - and all because of you!") where she blames Madame Forestier for all of the trouble, as though none of this would've happened if Forestier simply hadn't loaned her the jewelry. This habit of blaming an innocent party is something that a child does, not a mature woman.

7. Closely examine the passage at Madame Forestier's house when Mathilde discovers and borrows the necklace. What symbolic elements are being used here by the author? Explain.

First, the case is made of black satin, a color which evokes sin, darkness, and even death. This should be a warning that the lust Mathilde feels in holding the diamond necklace is a sinful vanity. Later in the story, the author describes a "black misery" that's about to befall Mr. Loisel and the visual link to the black satin case is interesting. Next, she "fastened [the necklace] snuggly round her throat," which is an odd way to describe putting on a necklace since it brings forth imagery of a hangman's noose. Finally, we now know that the necklace was fake, just as Mathilde's herself was a playing a role at the ball. She was not a member of the high class; she was faking in that moment, too. Finally, the pursuit of materialistic wealth is also an arti ce; there's nothing real or substantial about the life Mathilda dreams about early in the tale.

8. To what degree is Mr. Loisel also to blame for the misery he endures. Dig deep into your analysis of this character.

He is guilty of these things, but he's also guilty of indulging a spoiled brat of a wife. He wants to make her happy (which is a sweet thing for a husband to want), but he sacri ces his hard-earned ri e money for his wife's vanity. Later, he'll sacri ce so much more for the very same reason. While self-sacri cing love is to be respected, the reader can't help feel that Mr. Loisel is a bit of a fool since his sacri ce was in support of his wife's vain nonsense.

2. Some readers believe that the ten years of hard work changed Mathilde's spoiled nature and made her a better person. Give two pieces of evidence that support this position.

Mathilde now completes without any help - the shopping, the scrubbing of dishes and laundry, the carrying of pails up and down the steps. They move into a tiny attic apartment and she no longer spends any money on the ner things in life. She, along with her husband, repay all the debts; neither of them turns away from their responsibilities.

6. The story's ironic ending is part of what makes this tale so famous. The author, however, gives a few hints about the tragic twist. Look back over the story and nd an element of foreshadowing. Paraphrase this element of the story and then explain why you believe it is a good example of foreshadowing.

The most common element of foreshadowing that students spot is the jeweler mentioning that he didn't sell the necklace. He supplied only the case. Obviously, this is a clue that the Loisels ignore.

4. Give two examples of personi cation from the story. Write down the full sentences in which the personi ed elements exist.

Two great tears escaped from the corners of her eyes and rolled slowly toward the corners of her mouth. And at last, they found one of those ancient night carriages which, as though they were ashamed to show their shabbiness during the day, are never seen round Paris until after dark.

1. Did Mathilde Loisel deserve the punishment she received? Explain your answer.

Usually, about a third of the class will say that the punishment was too harsh, while the two-thirds majority doesn't have much sympathy for Mathilde.