Mathilde Loisel's Pride In The Necklace

She longs so eagerly to charm, to be desired, to be wildly attractive and sought after (82). In the “The Necklace” Madame Loisel pride takes center stage. The author, Guy de Maupassant, a French citizen, wrote his short story in the 1800s. At this time in France, citizens were born into specific classes. Mathilde Loisel, the main character ends up marrying below her social worth, longs for prestige. Although fate plays a small part in Madame Loisel’s life, her selfish character is responsible for the unfortunate outcome that is the result of her ten years of hard labor.
From birth, Madame Loisel’s life seems to develop beyond her control. Her dissatisfaction of her living situation makes unhappy. Her humble surroundings with its “mean walls, worn chairs, and ugly curtains,” force her to “weep [for] whole days” (82). Mathilde’s environment reflects her poorness of spirit. Her furniture mirrors the ugliness of her personality. After Madame Loisel receives a prestigious party invitation from her husband she becomes
Monsieur Loisel tries to give Mme. what she desires. After he gives her the invitation, her response makes him “utterly at loss when he saw his wife [is] beginning to cry” (82). This leaves the reader feeling Madame Loisel is selfish by nature. Dumbfounded at her utter disregard, it only confirms the reader’s prediction that Madame Loisel has an exaggerated sense of her own value. Additionally, her tired husband naps in a isolated room, while Madame is the bell of the ball. She is a success at the ball as “all the men” gawk “at her,” “inquire her name,” and “are eager to waltz with her” (83). The reader feels upset with Madame Loisel’s lack of good judgment. Her inconsiderate behavior leads to immense consequences. The author employs the insignificant character’s responses to enlighten the reader of Madame Loisel’s arrogant