Characters
Who is the protagonist of the story and the one who borrows the necklace?
Mathilde Loisel
What is the event that Mathilde and her husband receive an invitation to at the beginning of the story?
A fancy ball or party at the Ministry of Education
What theme in "The Necklace" revolves around the consequences of vanity and materialism?
Materialism and vanity destroys lives.
What does the necklace symbolize for Mathilde at the beginning of the story?
The symbol of wealth, luxury, and the social status she aspires to
What is the definition of dramatic irony?
when the audience knows something that the characters don't
What is the name of Mathilde Loisel's husband in "The Necklace"?
Monsieur Loisel
What is the climax of the story?
Mathilde discovers that the necklace she borrowed is missing after the ball
How does the theme of "The Necklace" relate to the idea that appearances can be deceiving?
Appearances can be deceptive, as the necklace's real value is hidden until the end
How does the necklace symbolize Mathilde's pursuit of a higher social status?
The symbol of her desire to appear wealthier and more glamorous than she actually is
Identify a specific example of situational irony in the story.
when Mathilde loses the necklace she borrowed and replaces it with a real one, only to find out it was unnecessary because the borrowed necklace was fake
Who is the wealthy friend who lends Mathilde the necklace for the party?
Madame Forestier
What does Mathilde's husband do to help find the necklace after they lose it?
He retraces their steps around the city, looking for the lost necklace
What lesson about the pursuit of social status can be derived from the story?
The lesson that the pursuit of social status can lead to discontent and suffering
What is the symbolic significance of the necklace when it is lost and replaced?
The symbol of the burden of debt and the cost of materialism
Give an example of verbal irony.
Answers will vary.
What social class does Mathilde and her husband belong to?
Middle class
How does Mathilde's life change after the necklace incident?
Mathilde and her husband fall into poverty and work hard to repay the debt incurred to replace the necklace
Which theme emphasizes the idea that one should be content with what they have?
The theme that emphasizes the importance of contentment and appreciating one's blessings
What does the necklace represent in terms of Mathilde's self-perception and self-worth?
The symbol of her insecurity and belief that material possessions define her worth
Outside of the ending of the necklace, give an example of situational irony.
Answers will vary.
How does Mathilde change by the end of the story?
She loses her beauty, becomes actually poor, and realizes that wealth isn't everything.
What is the ultimate irony in the story's plot?
The ultimate irony is that the necklace they worked so hard to replace was actually a cheap imitation
What is the overarching theme that underscores Mathilde's personal growth in the story?
The theme is of personal growth and self-discovery.
What symbolic lesson can be drawn from the necklace's eventual revelation as a fake?
The lesson that true value lies in one's character and actions rather than material possessions
How does the ironic ending contribute to the story's theme of being content with what you have?
It shows how Mathilde ends up losing everything to chase a life that ended up not being real in the first place.