Literary Elements In The Necklace

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Literary Elements in “The Necklace” Everyone lies and tells fibs at times, but it is always better to tell the truth and deal with the consequences than to tell a lie and have to face even more severe penalties. In a similar situation, Mathilde has to deal with the consequences of the lie she told to a friend. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is a wonderful short story due to the author’s spectacular use of literary elements. First, the author uses characterization to make readers understand Mathilde’s vanity and its affect on her life. Secondly, the author’s use of the Parisian setting sets the atmosphere of the story and adds crucial detail, such as the importance of social classes in the 1880’s. Lastly, the author’s fantastic use of irony gives “The Necklace” a surprising and suspenseful ending. Overall, “The Necklace” is a phenomenal short story that every freshman should read. Characterization is the first element that makes the story truly unforgettable. To begin, readers feel strong emotion towards Mathilde’s husband. When Mathilde’s husband arrives home and shares the good news that they are invited to a party, he expects his wife to be excited, but is surprised by the fact that she is angry. She is mad because does not have an expensive dress to wear. The reader feels sympathy and sorrow for the husband because even when he tries to make his wife happy, he is rewarded with rudeness. Also, Mathilde’s private thoughts and feelings characterize her because they show that she is never satisfied. Mathilde always dreams of having a nice and luxurious apartment, and of rooms draped in Oriental tapestries and lightened by tall bronze floor lamps. This greatly characterizes her, as it shows that Mathilde is unhappy with all that she has and is always searching for more material goods. Lastly, Mathilde’s actions further characterize her as arrogant and
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