The Necklace Comparison

Compare and Contrast how the Main Characters and their Relationships are Portrayed in "Veronica" and "The Necklace".

There are many similarities and differences between "Veronica" and "The Necklace" for instance they share some of their key themes. In "Veronica" a key theme is the extreme contrast between city life and village life this is displayed when Okeke says "Either I had forgotten about the squalor of a village life, or it had worsened in my absence", this shows the difference between the village and the city he even calls it a "squalor" which informs the reader on the filth and poverty in which the villagers have to live in. In "The Necklace" one of the key themes is difference between appearance and reality as there is a discrepancy
Her father has even been abusive towards her and she still remains loyal. She tries to come across as contented "She never seemed to envy me mine" this shows that she doesn't seem envious and wants to appear happy for Okeke however "Seems" shows the reader she is more interested than she implies. Veronica also has a various negative traits such as being fatalistic she shows this when's she says "My own place is here" she believes that events are determined by an impersonal fate and she cannot change it. This makes her rigid and closed minded to change, eventually leading to her accepting the fate laid out for her. Veronica does not have very many opportunities because she is the eldest child meaning that the most responsibility has fallen on her to take care of her siblings. She is also a woman which significantly restricts her opportunities and traps her in her village as she has to fulfil the role society says women should have which was to stay at home and care for children and family. The only opportunity that Veronica is presented with is to go to the city with Okeke however she rejects it and says " No, the city is for you," this shows that the city is represented as a place of opportunity but only for those who have an education and
Okeke also says that they "Snatched time together" showing that the time they spent together was precious and valuable to them. However Loisel and Mathilde have not got an emotional relationship as the marriage was not out of love this is shown when the author writes "She went along with a proposal" suggesting she was never very interested in him and married him for the money she thought he had. The love between Mathilde and Loisel in unrequited as it is shown that he really cares when he buys her the tickets to the reception. The relationships are also similar in several ways for example communication breaks down when it comes to communication. Between Veronica and Okeke there is barley any communication about their relationship because Okeke is unable to lead their relationship due to his inability to pick Veronica's needs and Veronica can not lead the relationship because she is a woman and society said that men should lead the relationship. Loisel and Mathilde's relationship also lacks honest communication as she has not told him that she is not happy in the relationship and just wants a rich