On the surface there appear to be many similarities between the character traits of Mathilde Loisel in Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” and Louise Mallard in Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” however; there are subtle differences between the two women. Both of these protagonists struggle with their fate, are self-centered, and lack empathy. Their lives are destined to end in their own tragic ways based on their individual character flaws. Both of these stories focus on women who struggle with their lifestyle conditions. Mrs. Loisel cannot bear her middle-class lifestyle, instead desiring “to please, to be envied, to be charming, to be sought after” (Maupassant 60). As well as desiring these intangible things, she also regrets having “no dresses, no jewels, nothing” (Maupassant 60). This self-imposed suffering leads her to years of burdensome debt, further resulting in hard work and loss of her youthful appearance. On the other hand, Mrs. Mallard suffers a heart condition from being trapped in marriage. When she hears the news of her husband’s death she is at last free of her ailment and excitedly contemplating her future. Not only do these ladies have difficulty accepting their lives, they are also self-centered. Therefore, neither Mrs. Loisel nor Mrs. Mallard is capable of appreciating their loving and caring husbands. Mathilde Loisel fails to acknowledge her husband’s thoughtfulness in bringing home an invitation to the Ministerial ball. Instead, she focuses on the dress and jewels she is lacking. She also ignores his generosity in handing over his savings to allow her to purchase a nice dress. Although Chopin does little to provide us with a description of Louise Mallard’s husband, Louise recollects that her husband’s face “had never looked save with love upon her…”, seemingly implying that he was kind and loving toward her (Chopin 67).