"The Necklace" Greed and Envy

Greed and Envy In Guy de Maupassant’s short story “The Necklace”, he explores the theme that greed and envy can lead to self-destruction. In this story Matilda Loisel is a very envious wife whom always dreamed for a better existence. She was a beautiful but very discontent woman who thought that she must have been born into the wrong life, since she had no way of being recognized and courted by a rich and powerful man.
Instead “she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education” (31). All the while she dreamed of living the life of the rich, with beautiful possessions all around her and all her wants answered. Oh how happy she thought she could have been. But her dreams are always short lived by the everyday evidence of their middle class furniture, food and conversation.
Then one day her husband, Mr. Loisel, was invited to the Minister of Public Instruction’s dinner ball. Her husband thought this would make his wife so very delighted since this is what she spent all of her time dreaming of. Here it was, the thing that consumed her finally at her feet, but she still was not content. In fact, Matilda was even more distraught because it brought to her attention that she had nothing formal enough for the ball. Mr. Loisel sympathized with his wife and knowing he had money set aside for a new shot gun, he gave her the 400 francs she so desperately needed. This was enough money for a pretty dress, not too fancy, but pretty because he knew for sure this would be a rare occasion.
As the day of the ball drew nearer Matilda’s envy overtook her once more and she became distraught. She decided that she could not attend the ball. Her husband then asked her what was the bothering her and pointed out that she has been acting strangely. She responds to his comment by saying, “I am vexed not to have a jewel....I shall have such a poverty laden look” (33). He then suggests flowers to compensate for the missing accessory. She quickly refuses the suggestion. Finally they both realize that she has an acquaintance, Mrs. Forestier, which might lend her some jewelry.
She goes to Mrs. Forestier’s residence and relates her “story of distress” (33). Mrs. Forestier gladly lets her borrow something of note. She starts to peruse the collection that Mrs. Forestier brings to her but nothing catches her eye until she notices a black satin box. She opens it to find an exquisite diamond necklace. She fills with anticipation as she reaches for it, places it around her neck and admires the superb piece of jewelry. She then asks to borrow the necklace and is allowed to take the piece.
The day of the ball finally arrives and she and her husband are in attendance. She experiences everything she has longed for. “All the men noticed her, asked her name, and wanted to be presented….The Minister of Education paid her some attention” (34). That night was a complete success in her mind. All her desires were answered and were not disappoints. But as all good things come to an end, it was time to leave for home.
As they were leaving Matilda was so ashamed of her low quality wrap, that she hurried past everyone as not to be seen by the other wives. Mr. Loisel hurries to try to call a cab but none are found. They finally find a cab after a bit of searching and head back to their mediocre lifestyle.
After arriving back home, Matilda realizes that she has lost the necklace and her husband goes back and feverishly looks for it. He comes home empty handed. He speaks to the police and cab companies and even offers a reward for the necklace; he has done everything he can think of. After a few days have passed and no word of the necklace, they start to lose hope and come up with a plan.
They decide that they have to replace the necklace. They search and search for the jeweler that created the piece. They find the jeweler and discover that the necklace is going to cost them thirty-six thousand francs. The husband, being the good man that he was, goes around borrowing the money from all types of lenders and using all of the money his father left him. He purchases the necklace and Matilda returns the newly bought necklace to Mrs. Forestier. Mrs. Forestier was a little distraught as to the length of time that Matilda had the necklace but was glad it was finally returned.
The debt that they incurred to purchase the replacement necklace ruined them. They had to move and rent rooms to live in and had to let the maid go. The husband had to take on two extra jobs to help pay their debt and Matilda had to do all the housework herself. Matilda aged well before her time due to the harsh lifestyle she had to endure. It was all because she had to have a lifestyle that she didn’t possess. Her greed and envy led to her far removal of the life she so desperately wanted.

Works Cited
Guy de Maupassant. “The Necklace.” The World’s Greatest Short Stories. Ed. James Daley. New York: Mineola, 2006. 31-37

Cited: Guy de Maupassant. “The Necklace.” The World’s Greatest Short Stories. Ed. James Daley. New York: Mineola, 2006. 31-37