There are endless lessons to be learned in life, and each person retrieves something different. In De Maupassant's "The Necklace" Madame Matilda Loisel is an unhappy middle-class house wife of a petty clerk. However, Matilda dreams of a bigger and better lifestyle. Though always possessing a roof over her head, and never without food in her stomach, she made the mistake of seeing only what she did not have. Riches, exotic foods, and decorations she couldn't afford occupied her mind as she lived discontent in her lifestyle without luxury.
With the grace, elegance, wit and charm that higher class women possessed, Matilda understood that she was capable of holding a higher social ranking, although unable to marry into one. Her days were filled with longings of pretty dresses and jewelry, as she had none.
Monsieur Loisel was an honest man and tried all that he could to make Matilda happy. Earning decent wages, and unable to provide a luxurious lifestyle for her, he lived oblivious to her turmoil. Knowing he was lucky to have her and honestly thankful for all that he had, Matilda could have learned a lot from her husband. This was demonstrated when at their daily meals Matilda slipped off to her world of great feasts and imported decorations, while he accepted even the "good potpie" with a welcome attitude.
As the story progressed, and time came closer to Matilda living her dreams, her mannerisms and negative attitude seemed less intense. Still "sad, disturbed, and anxious" without proper jewelry to wear to such an occasion, Matilda borrowed an excentric diamond necklace from her good friend Madame Jeanne Forrestier. With the excitement of the upcoming events she thought only of looking magnificent in comparison to the other ladies. Achieving this standard, Matilda was 'the prettiest of all, elegant, gracious, smiling and full of joy." With the attention of all t
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