...An ideal sought after husband in this world is often one with status. He is expected to have glorious fame or lavish fortune. However, the man with a loving and devoted character should be the most treasured. In The Necklace, by Guy de Maupassant, Monsieur Loisel is the loving husband of Mathilde Loisel. He never achieves an ideal status or accumulates any fortune, but is a very respectable man. Mr. Loisel’s humble, hardworking and loyal personality show that his type of character should be more appreciated in this world. Humility is apparent in Mr. Loisel by his unassuming attitude and simple desires. An example of Mr. Loisel’s appreciation of simplicity is most shown when he sits down to dinner and exclaims, “Ah, a good homemade beef stew! There’s nothing better,” (193). Mr. Loisel’s genuine excitement for a simple, yet tasteful dinner reveals his contentment with what he has. This is very unlike Mme. Loisel who, “visualizes elegant dinners with gleaming silver amid tapestried walls peopled by knights and ladies and exotic birds in a fairy forest/ she would think of exquisite dishes served on gorgeous china,” (193). Another example of Mr. Loisel’s humility is at the ball. Instead of partying all night and pushing the limit of capabilities like his wife, he accepts that his night of fun was over. He is found sleeping in a small, deserted sitting room at midnight. His wife on the other hand, stayed up for the whole party and left at four o’clock in the morning in...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...Concentrating more on the anxiety he was feeling would have led the reader to believe that the events were not real. I also saw this story as an allegory. I saw the allegory after reading the story two times. I think it is centered on Goodman Brown having a bumpy past and that he wants to go beyond his past and reach heaven. The characters names also show the religious allegory in the story. The names Goodman and Faith are used and the characters are then soon faced with terrifying evil. I think that Goodman Brown and his wife, Faith’s names symbolize that they are good, religious people and that Goodman is making up everyone being evil in his head. I found an essay by Alexa Carlson that described the symbolism in light vs. dark, forest vs. town, nature vs. human, and fantasy vs. reality. In her paper, Essay #1: Young Goodman Brown, she states that “…fantasy vs. reality are employed to reinforce the idea that good and evil have been set up as strict categories into which no one, not even the religious figures of the community, fit neatly.” As she later writes, if Hawthorne was apprehensive about “what he considers right and wrong in terms of human behavior, I think he would have spend more time building up his tragic end.” “Young Goodman Brown” was a pretty sad story because he was happy with all the locals and his faith until the trip came into Goodman Brown’s life. Goodman is pure going into the forest, but in a sense comes out of the forest somewhat evil. He comes back thinking...
Words: 4886 - Pages: 20
...Judy Blagg Mrs. Neal Comp. II 29 September 2015 Character Analysis Essay A story that has very few characters but progresses nicely is “The Necklace”. The two primary characters are Mr. Loisel and his wife, Madame Loisel. They interact with only one other named character who is a friend of Madame Loisel’s, Madame Forestier. Throughout the entire story, the main focus stays on Madame Loisel with her various moods and reactions. However, her husband deserves so much more recognition for his support, than he receives. Without the interactions of Mr. Loisel with his wife, the reader would be at a loss to as why Madame Loisel seems to be so bothered and moved. It’s easy to forget that Mr. Loisel is relevant to the story, for that is the view his wife has. Out of sight out of mind, is what appears when speaking of Mr. Loisel, yet without his support, the story would not read as smoothly. Mr. Loisel is a hard-working man who knows where he stands in society and is content with himself in his place. He is kind-hearted and seems satisfied with his life and his marriage. He goes off to work to be the bread winner for the family and then returns to who should be an adoring wife. Being faced with her constant whining and snooty comments of how mediocre her life is. Mr. Loisel is untouched by his wife’s negativity, always having a quick idea to try to appease her sour demeanor. He tries to make her feel appreciated in ways by complimenting the dinner when Madame Loisel shows disdain...
Words: 1223 - Pages: 5
...Compare and contrast “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “The Necklace” Dreams, sacrifice, marital unhappiness and escapism are often themes involving men and women in English Literature. Throughout history, stories have been filled with main characters living out fantasies and dreams, hoping for more out of their own lives, only to find they had what they wanted right in front of them, all along. These aforementioned these are the main focuses of the two stories I am going to write about, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” by James Thurber and “The Necklace,” by Guy de Maupassant. The main characters in these two stories are, Walter Mitty, in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and Mathilde Loisel in “The Necklace.” Both characters are dreamers of a different, fancier or exciting life, which ultimately cause problems for each character. This paper will compare and contrast these two stories by showing, although each was written very differently, both are from different time periods, different languages, different social settings, and each have different outcomes, they are still very much the same. In “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” it portrays the inner soliloquy of a man’s mind flowing in and out of fantasies as he completes his routine tasks on an otherwise routine day. Walter Mitty is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an overbearing wife, who runs his life in every moment she is present in the story. Walter’s story begins deep in a fantasy battle, operating...
Words: 2327 - Pages: 10
...Compare and Contrast the Presentation of the Protagonist in ‘Veronica’ and ‘The Necklace’ The protagonists in the two stories ‘Veronica’ and ‘The Necklace’ have some similarities, but mostly are the two women in the stories are very different. Just by looking at the title, we get two very different impressions. In ‘Veronica’ the protagonist is Veronica heraself. Veronica is presented as being a very good person, a person that is committed to her family. This is normal from the Nigerian Village and the environment she is from. The woman stay homes to take care of the children, while the men go to the city to work, like Okeke. We get the impression that her family is the lowest in the community. We hear Veronica lives in Nigeria around the 1970s, which is the same time as the Civil War, and the author have focused a lot on this. The author makes the reader feel sympathy for Veronica, because she is in the situation she is. Her family is very poor, she has to take care of the family from a very young age. We hear later in the story, that she is lucky getting a man which have a job, so he can get some money to the family. Guy de Maupasssant is presenting the protagonist in “The Necklace” very differently. She is very representative of her society. She is being presented as being very selfish, egocentric and ungrateful. The reader is barely getting any kind of sympathy for her at the beginning of the story. Because of her negative vision on life she only wants the best, of the...
Words: 1234 - Pages: 5
...In the stories, “The Necklace” by Guy De Maupassant and “Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison, the two main characters are dependent on their surroundings for the happiness in their life. Before one can attract people who will support, appreciate, and acknowledge them, they must choose to do that for themselves; when one chooses to feel good, they are not dependant on other people acting in certain ways to make them feel good like the characters were in the two stories. Although Madame Loisel married a middle to low class clerk, she is very fond of expensive things. Her attention from her own life and marriage is lost in the thought of being wealthy. “She had no clothes, no jewels, nothing. And these were the only things she loved; she felt that she was made for them. She had longed so eagerly to charm, to be desired, to be wildly attractive and sought after” (Maupassant 330). Even though Madame Loisel’s husband can’t afford expensive things, she is fixated on looking high class and receiving attention for it. She wants so desperately to be accepted in the upper caste system, that she can’t be content or happy without that. Once Madame Loisel was invited to be with the rich at a party for one night, she went to the extreme. She muzzled four hundred francs from her husband for a new ball gown and borrowed a diamond necklace from a friend. She made sure she looked classy in order to be accepted by the others at the party all so she could feel good about herself. She danced madly...
Words: 993 - Pages: 4
...The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant the social satire. Mathilde Loisel was a pretty woman born to be marrying a man of wealth. Mathilde in time married a little clerk who worked in the Ministry Of Education, sometimes things don’t go as planned or expected. The author does a very good job in describing the good and bad physical, moral, and emotional conflicts brought by Mathilda when she barrow the necklace from Madame Forestier. The only thing that Mathilde didn't knew was that the gorgeous necklace was an imitation. Madame Loisel receive the necklace and she felt younger and beautiful as described in the story, she already had this characteristics but never realize that beauty is something that the eyes cant see , that the hands cant touch....
Words: 1538 - Pages: 7
...In this essay, I would like to compare and contrast gender roles/marriage and primarily show through two literary works found in my textbook the differences and likenesses of each story, as they are being told to the audience. The short stories that I have chosen to discuss for this essay are “The Necklace”, by Guy de Maupassant and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, by James Thurber. I will try to compare and contrast both stories and give the audience a brief summary, explaining the likenesses and differences and engaging the reader, while doing so. In the short summary of the short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". This short-story tells the tale of Walter Mitty while on a trip into town with his wife, the bossy and serious Mrs. Mitty. Walter is sadly incompetent of doing many things; he forgets a lot of things, is very absent-minded while driving, and cannot handle the simplest tasks. But, what makes Walter unique throughout this short-story is his imagination. While Walter goes through his tasks, he escapes into a world of many fantasies, each brought on by reality. While driving his car he starts to day dream that he is a commander on a “Navy hydroplane" going through a storm. (Clugston, 2010). While passing a hospital, he believes he is a famous surgeon, known throughout the world for saving lives. He imagines he is being interrogated in court on a case, when he hears a newsboy shouting about a trial. Also, when he is waiting for his wife, he imagines himself...
Words: 3290 - Pages: 14
...short story ‘’the necklace’’ was a very tough, sad, and stupid It was about jealousy and envy. Among the greatest sins and have been down fall of many. The story is about Mathilde Loisel that seeks money and desires of becoming into the upper class. All the ambition of becoming in the high class she brings herself into her downfall. She hated her living society. In the story she marries a rich man that his profession is a clerk. Loisel is beautiful and charming woman. The clerk who she married he works in the ministry of education. These man during the time of the story he can afford anything, provide her only with a modest though not uncomfortable lifestyle. Later in the story she got invited to a big society party all thanks to her husband. The party was hosted by the ministry of education the place where her husband works. He hope that Malthilde will be thrilled with the chance to attend an event this sort. Later she receive these news she started to cry all because she did not have a nice dress to wear for the party, he got mad and gave her money to buy a dress. Afterwards she wanted a necklace to go with the dress she got and went to a lady named Forestier to get a necklace from her she accepts and lends the jewelry to Malthilde. In the party she was excited because every man notice her cause she looked beautiful. The party ended late they walk down the streets to catch a cab, when they got home she noticed the necklace she had was gone. She lost the necklace that miss Forestier...
Words: 3481 - Pages: 14
...THE NECKLACE GUY DE MAUPASSANT The girl was one of those pretty and charming young creatures who sometimes are born, as if by a slip of fate, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no expectations, no way of being known, understood, loved, married by any rich and distinguished man; so she let herself be married to a little clerk of the Ministry of Public Instruction. She dressed plainly because she could not dress well, but she was unhappy as if she had really fallen from a higher station; since with women there is neither caste nor rank, for beauty, grace and charm take the place of family and birth. Natural ingenuity, instinct for what is elegant, a supple mind are their sole hierarchy, and often make of women of the people the equals of the very greatest ladies. Mathilde suffered ceaselessly, feeling herself born to enjoy all delicacies and all luxuries. She was distressed at the poverty of her dwelling, at the bareness of the walls, at the shabby chairs, the ugliness of the curtains. All those things, of which another woman of her rank would never even have been conscious, tortured her and made her angry. The sight of the little Breton peasant who did her humble housework aroused in her despairing regrets and bewildering dreams. She thought of silent antechambers hung with Oriental tapestry, illumined by tall bronze candelabra, and of two great footmen in knee breeches who sleep in the big armchairs, made drowsy by the oppressive heat of the stove. She thought of long...
Words: 2886 - Pages: 12
...The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) Translators: Albert M.C. McMaster, A.E. Henderson, Mme. Quesada, & others. The girl was one of those pretty and charming young creatures who sometimes are born, as if by a slip of fate, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no expectations, no way of being known, understood, loved, married by any rich and distinguished man; so she let herself be married to a little clerk of the Ministry of Public Instruction. She dressed plainly because she could not dress well, but she was unhappy as if she had really fallen from a higher station; since with women there is neither caste nor rank, for beauty, grace and charm take the place of family and birth. Natural ingenuity, instinct for what is elegant, a supple mind are their sole hierarchy, and often make of women of the people the equals of the very greatest ladies. Mathilde suffered ceaselessly, feeling herself born to enjoy all delicacies and all luxuries. She was distressed at the poverty of her dwelling, at the bareness of the walls, at the shabby chairs, the ugliness of the curtains. All those things, of which another woman of her rank would never even have been conscious, tortured her and made her angry. The sight of the little Breton peasant who did her humble housework aroused in her despairing regrets and bewildering dreams. She thought of silent antechambers hung with Oriental tapestry, illumined by tall bronze candelabra, and of two great footmen in knee breeches...
Words: 2874 - Pages: 12
...The Necklace vs. The Story of an Hour Pamela Richard ENG 125 Lesa Hadley May 11, 2012 The Necklace vs. The Story of an Hour A short story, “The Necklace” (“La parure”) written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884 and a poem, ‘The Story of an Hour” written by Kate Chopin in 1894 are literary works that are very comparable yet are different. The two women, Madame Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard, portrayed in these literary works are protagonists who have trouble because of conflicting expectations imposed on them by society. Both Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard want something more than what their lifestyle offers them. During the time when the authors wrote these pieces, the social behaviors showed gender suppression/oppression. This essay will compare and contrast elements of content, form, and style between two different literary works. Both authors chose the theme of gender roles in marriage. During the time when the authors wrote theses pieces, the social behaviors showed gender suppression/oppression. The nineteenth century was impacted by the industrial revolution which caused a gap in gender roles, especially in the upper and middle classes (Radek, 2001). Men and women were thought to have completely different natures. Men were considered to be powerful, brave, rational and independent. Women were considered weak, timid, emotional, and dependent. Those differences separated their functions in society. "Men were thought to have natures suited to the public...
Words: 3460 - Pages: 14
...fruition anyhow. Setting Although both settings appear to have taken place in the 19th century, it is difficult to say exactly where the short story “Story of an Hour” actually takes place. Considering the location of Chopin’s home the story probably took place in New Orleans during her own time, the late 1800s, but it could have transpired anywhere in America. Mrs. Mallard went “away to her room alone” and faces an open window. There is a roomy armchair into which she sinks, exhausted (Clugston, 2010). I think this armchair means something to Mrs. Mallard. I think this is a place she comes to often, gazing out at the street below, watching the birds and listening to their songs. This is much different than in the story “The Necklace”. This story most undoubtedly takes place in 19th century France, probably in Paris as that is where I would...
Words: 3083 - Pages: 13
...In times of war kings send men to die for a cause that they cannot truly justify. It maybe over land, resources or just a little bit of political strife men but for whatever reason men die. Everyday a man is on the front lines protecting what he holds dear. War makes a man find something to cling on to, it may just be the will to live or just the thought of the day that they return home to their families but every soldier has a reason for life. Matram life flashed before him in one quick instant He had only joined the kings army out of a stroke of bad luck but he had never regretted it. After his father died of old age and his mother of grief he had been living on the street until his nineteenth name day. He had tried to pick pocket a quartermaster who was picking up supplies up in the city to take down to the kings barracks in the center of the city. Well, as fate would have it he was caught by the quartermaster and was immediately thrown in jail. He was offered two chooses by the city officials, one was he would loose his right arm or he could join the kings army and make a decent living. After Six years of stealing and sleeping out in the cold an honest living was what any man would want. It came with food clothing and a decent pay out. This was all more than Matram had ever really had in his who life. He looked at the officials and just nodded his head and waited as he was escorted out of the door and in to the waiting caravan. The quartermaster smiled when...
Words: 2170 - Pages: 9
...I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This research paper is made possible through the help and support from everyone, including: parents, teachers, family, friends, and in essence, all sentient beings. Especially, please allow me to dedicate my acknowledgment of gratitude toward the following significant advisors and contributors: First and foremost, I would like to thank to Mrs. Juliet Lamug our English Teacher to Mrs. Jocelyn Ligsay the librarian in allowing the researcher to use the library in full accommodation. Second, I would like to thank to Mr. Isabelo V. Agpalza Jr. and Ms. Marissa V. Agpalza to read my Research Paper and to provide valuable advices. Finally, I sincerely thank to my parents, family, and friends, who provide the advice and financial support. The product of this research paper would not be possible without all of them. And I would like also to thank to our Almighty God. The researcher II DEDICATION This Research Paper is lovingly dedicated to our respective parents who have been our constant source of inspiration. They have given us the drive and discipline to tackle any task with enthusiasm and determination. Without their love and support this project would not have been made possible. The researcher III Table of Contents I. Title Page-----------------------------------------------------------I II. Acknowledgement-----------------------------------------------II III. Dedication---------------------------------------------------------III ...
Words: 6130 - Pages: 25
