Guy De Maupassant Short Story Analysis

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Guy de Maupassant, one of the best short story writers in French history is popular for painting an alluring view of the French life in the 19th century. “Born on August 5th, 1850, he is considered one of the fathers of the modern short story as well as one of its fines practitioners” (American Literature). Maupassant started of his career studying law before volunteering for the Franco Prussian war in 1869. “Following the war mentored by Flaubert, Maupassant went on to write one of the greatest stories, “Boule de Suif” (“Ball of Fat”) in 1880 which immediately distinguished the young writer” (History). Before dying in an insane asylum due to syphilis contracted when he was in his twenties, Maupassant left the world with major works like A Life (1883), The Rondoli Sisters (1884) and Le Horla (1887). In 1884 Maupassant published one of his greatest stories- The Necklace. The main theme of the story is to value human feelings and emotions and be content with what one already has rather than materialistic possessions.
Mathilde Loisel, an over ambitious beautiful lady is discontent with her life and what she already has although she has been provided for all the happiness in life. She is unhappy with
The story starts off showing Mathilde Loisel’s feeling for her house which is old with worn walls, abraded chairs and ugly belongings. Culture appears in this story in the form of Mathilde Loisel’s desire to be a part of the upper class and the riches she wants to possess (Laurie) . Everyone from a lower class has a desire to move up to the upper class and live a life of comfort. The way Mathilde wants to portray herself during the invitation shows how one wants to portray themselves in front of others with beautiful dresses and fine jewelry. It also shows through Monsieur how the clerks were working hard to get noticed by their

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