“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant [pp 190 - 197] 3

Study Guide Grade 9 English ______

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[KEEP this study guide for the whole unit – worth points at the end of the unit.]

Literary Terms: exposition; characterization; complication; symbol; irony

1. Why is Mme. Loisel unhappy when she receives an invitation to an evening reception?

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2. How are Mme. Loisel’s dreams realized at the party?

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3. At what point does she become aware that the necklace is gone?

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4. What excuse does she give her friend for not returning the necklace immediately?

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5. What does she finally learn about the necklace?

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6. The first 6 paragraphs of the story tell about the life Madame Loisel wishes to lead and the life she really leads. What details bring out this contrast?

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7. Mme. Loisel wishes to have an expensive dress for the reception.

7a. How does her husband react to her wish? ______

7b. What does this incident reveal about the values of Mme. Loisel and of her husband?

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8a. What reason does Mme Loisel give for needing a jewel to go with her dress?

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8b. Do you think her concern is reasonable or foolish? ______

8c. Why does she choose the necklace rather than any of the other pieces of jewelry? ______

9a. At the reception, what incident shows the contrast between Mme. Loisel’s apparent situation in life and her true situation?

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9b. What incident contrasts her values with her husband’s values?

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9c. After the Loisels leave to go home, what incident suggests a return to her true life?

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10a. What actions do the Loisels take to replace the necklace?

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10b. What qualities of character are revealed by these actions?

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10c. Why do you think they do not tell Mme Forestier that they have lost the necklace?

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11a. How does Mme. Loisel’s character change as a result of the hardships she has to endure?

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11b. Do you think her values change? Give reasons.

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12a. “The Necklace” is famous for its surprise ending. How does the surprise drive home the story’s theme – the underlying idea about true and false values?

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12b. What does the necklace symbolize? ______

13a. What is the author’s attitude toward Mathilde Loisel?

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13b. Does his attitude toward her change by the end of the story? Give reasons.

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