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Examples Of Naturalism In The Necklace

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Originating in France, ‘The Necklace’ is a short story written by French writer Guy de Maupassant in the late nineteenth century, the period where literary movements realism and naturalism dominated French fiction. Maupassant played an important role in both the realist movement and the naturalist movement through his depiction of the setting as well as the character’s decision. The short story reflects upon the rigid patriarchal society during the late nineteenth century, demonstrating how the wealth of a person can lead to their generosity and greed; thus affecting their lifestyles. Through ‘The Necklace’, Maupassant aims to depict the conflicts between the upper-class and the lower class, how their inner desires vary. This essay will analyze …show more content…

When Maupassant narrates Madame Loisel’s fate, he states that “she felt that she was intended for a life of refinement and luxury.” The noun phrase “refinement and luxury” can relate to the theme of greed carried in the short story. Although she is currently living a steady, ordinary, middle-class life, she does not cherish what she currently has. She yearns for a wealthy life like all the other upper-class women, and strongly believes that she should not be living in a typical, ordinary middle-class life. She feels that “God had made her for such things.” The noun “God” with the reference of the Christian deity, suggests that Madame Loisel has extremely high expectations for her life. Rather than believing and accepting the reality she has to face, her selfish nature continues to grow. She is never satisfied to be in the middle-class. She expects to be in a position filled with wealth and attention; thus leaving people’s emotions and thoughts …show more content…

After Monsieur Loisel notifies Madame Loisel with the ball invitation, instead of celebrating the opportunity to attend a ball with all the upper-class people Madame Loisel replied “What earthly use is that to me?” The interrogative sentence illustrates Madame Loisel’s lack of respect towards Monsieur Loisel. In this quotation Monsieur Loisel can be seen as a foil. While he treats his wife kindly with love and care, what he has in return are harsh, disrespectful treatments. This once again highlights Madame Loisel’s self-centered nature. Despite of having a caring and thoughtful spouse, she continues to complain with her ordinary lifestyle, and believes that she is intended for a life of luxury and refinement. Madame Loisel fails to treasure what she already has, Madame Loisel’s impolite attitudes towards Monsieur Loisel continues to be prominent through her declination in her husband’s opinions. This is demonstrated when Monsieur Loisel suggested Madame Loisel to wear a posy to the ball, she replies “There’s nothing so humiliating as to look poor when you’re with women who are rich.” The direct speech demonstrates Madame Loisel’s excessive pride in her identity, she is too proud to look poor around rich women. Her declination towards her husband’s opinions furthermore suggests the fact that she puts pride and wealth over her relationship with

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