Symbolism In The Necklace Essay

Symbolism within a Necklace Judging only by one’s outward appearance, is it possible for someone to see his or her true character? In the short story, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, . The necklace represents selfishness, people’s superficial nature, and how both of these can affect someone.
The necklace portrays selfishness through the way in which Mathilde acts to obtain the necklace. Mathilde’s husband tries to surprise her and brings home an invitation to a fancy ball. He assumes she will be ecstatic, but she is not. She throws the invitation on the table and questions, “What do you want me to do with that?” (de Maupassant 1133). Her husband explains how difficult it was for him to receive the invitation, and still it is not enough. She looks at him and impatiently says, “And what do you want me to put on my back?” (de Maupassant 1133). Even though her husband brings home a sentimental gift, she only thinks of the things she does not have. Later, Mathilde’s husband suggests she goes to her close friend’s house to

In this story Mathilde tries to portray a certain social class of which she is not part. She says, “There’s nothing more humiliating than to look poor among other women who are rich” (de Maupassant1134). She thinks if she wears a pretty dress and the necklace that she will be seen as high class. Mathilde’s friend who lent her the necklace is of a higher social class. Based on her friend’s social status, Mathilde assumes the necklace is made of authentic diamonds. Many years later, Mathilde encounters her friend who lent her the necklace. While Mathilde is explaining everything, her friend exclaims, “Why my necklace was paste. It was worth at most five hundred francs!”(de Maupassant 1138) This shows that Mathilde and her friend are both hiding their true status, and trying to appear as if they live a wealthier life. Guy de Maupassant symbolizes people’s superficial