Theme and Reflection

Theme and Narrative Elements
Maribel Cintron
ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Rebecca Morrin
June 3, 2013

Theme and Narrative Elements
This essay is to discuss the understanding of literary theme from the short story “The Necklace”. The theme will be described with two literary elements such as: point of view and setting and how literary elements affect the narrative.
Point of view in a short story is the narrator’s position in relation of the story being told. This story is written in the third person point of view. This is a form of storytelling in which the narrator relates all action in third person, using third person pronouns such as "he" or "she". Third person point of view may be omniscient or limited. Most new writers feel most comfortable with first person, but writing in the third person allows a writer more freedom in how a story is told.
This story is written in third person omniscient. Third person omniscient is a way of telling a story where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story, as opposed to third person limited, which adheres closely to one character 's view. In third person omniscient the writer can bring to life the entire world of characters. For example, Madame Mathilde Loisel’s personality is charming, selfish and jealous. Her physical description is pretty (Clugston, 2010). The writer also described Monsieur Loisel as unselfish, wimpy/pushed around; generous loves his wife and likes to hunt. (Clugston, 2010)
The setting of a short story is time and place. The place might be more important than time but they both must be clear. The setting of any story is known as the orientation. It is when and where the story takes place, or the time and location in which it takes place. The setting is often given or implied in the title or the first paragraph of a story.
In this short story the setting takes place in Paris; a magical and very glamorous city of lights where just about every other works of 19th century French literature is set. The mood was depressing and it took place in the 1884 over ten years’ time in Paris, France Loisel’s apartment, party at the Ministry of Education’s Mansion.
The theme of the short story is to be able to use the story to convey to the reader about life in general. The theme of the short story, "The Necklace" is to be happy with who you are and what you have. Not to be greedy and jealous because greed can lead to your downfall. Things aren’t how they seem or as the saying the grass is not greener on the other side. The character shows through actions not by fancy apparel. Honesty is the best policy.
The theme of the story also shows how poor or middle class people see the rich as they can have anything they want and/or buy. This theme is shown in the story directly through symbolism, and is also connected to situational irony. Because Madame Loisel assumes that her rich friend 's necklace is made of real gems, it shows she idealizes the rich class and considers them to be happy and perfect. She wanted to be just like them.
In the story "Frank O 'Connor: New Perspectives" is presented. It cites the evocative narrative voice used in the short stories of Frank O 'Connor. The mode of telling used by O 'Connor is said to re-open the sense of possibility so many of his characters learn to scorn. The third-person narrators used by O 'Connor also suggest, indirectly, alternative stories. (O’Connor 1998)
In conclusion, this essay talked about the theme and narrative understandings from the short story “The Necklace”. This was a very interesting story where the setting was in Parris in the 19th century over ten years’ time. The point of view was third person and the theme taught us a lesson to appreciate what you have because the grass is not greener on the other side as the saying goes.

References:
Clugston, R. (2010). Journey Into Literature. (Ashford University ed.) San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Neary, Michael. Frank O 'Connor: New Perspectives, 1998, p83-94, 12p. (Book Chapter)

References: Clugston, R. (2010). Journey Into Literature. (Ashford University ed.) San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Neary, Michael. Frank O 'Connor: New Perspectives, 1998, p83-94, 12p. (Book Chapter)