“The Necklace”
In the story “The Necklace,” Maupassant illustrates a clear view of economic determinism, where economic status is closely tied to happiness and character fulfillment. The protagonist, Mathilde Loisel, is dissatisfied with her middle-class life and constantly dreams of being wealthy. Maupassant describes her as having “a housemaid, and she suffered from it all her life, feeling herself born for every delicacy and luxury” (Maupassant). Mathilde believes that her happiness lies in material possessions and social status.
When Mathilde borrows a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier to wear to a high-class event, she loses it. Instead of confessing the truth, Mathilde and her husband go into debt to replace the necklace. They spend years of their lives working to pay off the debt, living in poverty and sacrificing their happiness. Eventually, Mathilde discovers that the necklace she borrowed was merely a cheap imitation, highlighting the irony of her pursuit of wealth and status.
The actions of the characters in the story reveal the concept of economic determinism. Mathilde’s dissatisfaction with her economic status drives her to make choices that ultimately lead to her downfall. Her desire to appear wealthier than she is causes her to borrow the necklace and then lie about losing it. This sets off a chain of events that results in financial ruin for herself and her husband.
The story also highlights the contrast between Mathilde’s character before and after her economic downfall. Before losing the necklace, Mathilde is depicted as vain and materialistic, constantly yearning for a luxurious lifestyle. However, after experiencing poverty and hardship, she becomes humbled and realizes the true value of money and contentment.
Overall, Maupassant’s portrayal of economic determinism in “The Necklace” shows how one’s economic status can greatly impact their happiness and fulfillment. The actions of the characters emphasize the consequences of prioritizing material possessions over more meaningful aspects of life.
Works Cited:
Maupassant, Guy de. “.”
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