Vocabulary
A very poor person
Pauper
Mathilde is introduced, unhappy with her life despite being married to a clerk.
Exposition
“I haven’t a thing to wear. How could I go?”
Speech / Materialistic
“She thought she was made for fine clothes and jewelry.”
Thoughts / Entitled, vain
The author of "The Necklace"
Guy de Maupassant
Extremely unhappy, unable to be comforted
Disconsolate
Mathilde borrows the necklace for the ball and enjoys the evening.
Rising Action
“Two big tears escaped from the corners of her eyes…”
Actions / Emotional, hopeless
“She washed the dishes, wearing down her pink nails on greasy casseroles…”
Actions / Hardworking, burdened
The story’s setting (city and time period)
Paris, late 1800s
“She felt deep _______ when her husband suggested wearing flowers instead of jewels.”
Vexation
Mathilde realizes the necklace is gone.
Climax
“With frowsy hair, skirts askew, and red hands…”
Looks / Worn-down, aged
“She was the prettiest woman there—resplendent, graceful, beaming, and deliriously happy.”
Effect on others / Charismatic, admired
Monsieur Loisel’s occupation
Clerk/government worker
“He worked _______ for ten years, never stopping.”
Incessantly
Mathilde and her husband work for 10 years to pay off the replacement.
Falling Action
“No… there’s nothing more humiliating than to look poverty-stricken among a lot of rich women.”
Speech / Proud, insecure
“She borrowed a necklace of diamonds from her friend.”
Actions / Risk-taking
The literary device shown in the ending twist
“She was _______ when she learned the necklace was fake.”
Aghast
The danger of vanity and materialism; appearance vs. reality; the cost of pride.
Theme
“Her friend gave a little cry. ‘Oh! Oh, my poor Mathilde, how you’ve changed!’”
Effect on others / Pitied, judged
“Sometimes… she sat down by the window and thought about that party long ago.”
Thoughts / Regretful, longing
This object represents Mathilde’s desire for wealth
The Necklace