In conclusion, the story of Mathilde is meant to demonstrate that pride and self-centered behavior often cause individuals to reject any real chance for happiness as they yearn for things they do not have but believe they deserve. Instead of enjoying a simple but comfortable life with a husband who adores her and provides her with anything he can afford, Mathilde abandons happiness by seeking the material possessions she believes she is entitled to. Her pride and self-centered behavior rob her of her looks, her comfortable existence, and any real chance she may have had for happiness had she counted her blessings instead of desiring what she did not have. ut onàI would almost rather not go to this partyö (De Maupassant 2). The only thing that seems to make Mathilde happy is when she is being treated to lavish material items that she and her husband cannot afford. She borrows a diamond necklace from her generous and compassionate friend Mme Forester. When Mme Forester agrees to loan her the necklace, it is one of the few times we see Mathilde happy, ôShe sprang to her friendÆs neck, kissed her with ardor, and then escape with the treasureö (De Maupassant 3). De Maupassant, Guy. ôThe Necklace.ö 1907. 25 Jan 2006: http://www.bartleby.com/195/20.html, 1-6. Occasionally, Mathilde dreams of the night of the ball and laments her fate, wondering what might have become of her had she not lost the necklace. In comparison to her own failing appearance, Mathilde spies Mme Forester one Sunday on the Champs Elysees. Mme Forester is ôstill young, still beautiful, still seductiveö (De Maupassant 6). When she introduces herself, Mme Forester doesnÆt recognize Mathilde. When she does she cries out with alarm, ôOh!ùMy poor Mathilde, how you are changedö (De Maupassant 6). Mathilde explains her troubles because of the lost necklace to Mme Forester. D |
