The Necklace
by Guy de Maupassant
Questions
1. There are four basic types of “conflict” in a story--human vs. human, human vs. society, human vs. self, and human vs. nature. Discuss how at least 2 of these conflicts are presented in “The Necklace.”
2. Discuss how Mme. Loisel is characterized in the first few pages of the story? How is she described? Make reference to not only how she is described by the narrator, but also the words she speaks.
3. How is the husband of Mme. Loisel characterized differently than his wife? What actions does he perform that show he is different from her?
4. Why is Mme. Loisel scornful when she receives the invitation to the reception at the Ministerial Mansion?
5. Why is it significant that Mme. Loisel chooses the necklace she does? How is the necklace a “symbol” for Mme. Loisel’s character?
6. How does Mme. Loisel’s life change after she loses the necklace? How does Mme. Loisel’s character change as a result of her experience? How does she change on the “outside”? How does she change on the “inside”? Again, how is the “necklace” a symbol” for Mme. Loisel’s character?
7. Define the point of view of “The Necklace”. In terms of the point of view, could the information revealed at the end of the story been given to the reader at any other point in the story – that is, does the author “cheat” by withholding information for the sake of his surprise ending? Be sure to explain your answer.
8. What is the theme of the story?