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Comparison Of Materialism In 'The Necklace And Civil Peace'

Decent Essays

“The Necklace” and “Civil Peace” show how materialism can affect one’s life through character’s thoughts, actions, and dialogue. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant shows how materialism can only create momentary satisfaction while “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe shows how one can be happy with what one already owns.

Guy de Maupassant and Chinua Achebe show their opinions on materialism through the thoughts of their characters in their stories. In “The Necklace”, Mathilde, an avaricious and narcissistic character, believes she possesses “...no dowry, no hopes, not the slightest chance of being appreciated, understood, loved, and married by a rich and distinguished man” (de Maupassant 373). The author, Guy de Maupassant, mocks Mathilde’s attitude towards her life, claiming “...She suffered constantly, feeling that all the attributes of a gracious life, every luxury, should rightly have been hers” (de Maupassant 373). By showing Mathilde’s thoughts, the author shows how materialism can cause someone to unappreciate the life that they have, even when it is exceptional compared to …show more content…

Mathilde in “The Necklace” displays a bitter and spiteful character when speaking to her husband. She claims she has “ ...no evening dress and so I can’t go to the party. Give the invitation to one of your colleagues whose wife will be better dressed than I would be” (de Maupassant 375). Through this, the audience sees how materialism can affect how someone dictates their life. Because she lacks a better dress, she chooses to miss out on a rare opportunity. Jonathan in “Civil Peace” shows instead a selfless and humble personality. While conversing with neighbors, he claims, “I count it as nothing...Did I depend on it last week? Or is it greater than other things that went with the war?” (Achebe 394) This clearly displays Achebe’s opinion that materialism cannot waiver the independent

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