Theme Of Deception In Guy De Maupassant's The Necklace

Deception is the act of making someone believe something that is not true. In Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” there is an overwhelming theme of deceptiveness expressed during the course of the story. Madame Loisel believes her life should be more than it is, that she deserves a lavish life. She obsesses over materialistic happiness and is constantly unsatisfied with the life she has. When invited to a ball Madame Loisel so ashamed of her status refuses to go at first. Once it is clear that her husband will do all he can to make her feel like the status she believes she deserve, Madame Loisel agrees. It is clear throughout the story that Madame Loisel is heavily guided by appearances, and refuses to accept the reality of her life. The need

One day her husband Monsieur Loisel presented her with an invitation to a ball in efforts to cheer her up. He noticed that she didn’t go out as much, and it is seen that he has slight knowledge of her reasoning as well. She immediately became enraged and emotional about the situation. Here is this ball which people of higher status are going to be in attendance and she is still the same person stuck in a life that wasn’t wanted. She refuses to go to the ball looking like her normal self, she wants to go looking elegant, beautiful, and relevant. Her husband agrees to supply her with a dress of her desires so she can look as she imagines at an event such like that. Although even with the dress Madame Loisel still isn’t happy, she still doesn’t feel like she looks good enough. Still caught up in appearances she decides she cannot possible go to the ball without jewelry. “I’m utterly miserable at not having any jewels, not a single stone, to wear,” “I shall look absolutely no one. I would almost rather not go to the party,” she uttered in distressed when her husband noticed her sudden uneasiness.

Even though Madame Loisel hadn’t visited her in a while, and was envious of her life, she knew that Madame Forestier was her only viable option. Her school friend was gracious enough to help Madame Loisel when asked for jewelry. Madame Forestier brought out a large box filled with pearls necklaces, bracelet, and gold cross, all there for her choosing. Madame Loisel although aware of the beauty of the various pieces couldn’t make up her mind, and constantly asked if there was anything else. Still as she has throughout the story seemed unsatisfied with her option and wanted better. Finally she came upon the diamond necklace and at once decided she must have it. Finally satisfied Madame Loisel donned her beautiful new dress, and finished the look with the exquisite borrowed diamond necklace.
She danced madly, ecstatically, drunk with pleasure, with no thought for anything, in the triumph of her beauty, in the pride of her success, in a cloud of happiness made up of this universal homage and admiration, of the desires she had aroused, of the completeness of a victory so dear to her feminine heart.