The Necklace Analysis

The Necklace

Character Analysis

Madame Loisel/ Mathilde

Mathilde/ Madame Loisel is very discontent with her life, and constantly obsesses about material goods. She is very beautiful, and seems to believe that this entitles her to wealth and a much higher standard of living. She is married to a clerk who works with the Ministry of Education, and who is very supportive of her, yet she does not seem to reciprocate these emotions. When he invites her to one of the most exclusive events of the year, she rejects it based on a superficial reason, a lack of clothing and jewelry. Also while at the ball, she seems to enjoy the attention of all the other men, dancing while her husband sleeps in another room. Aside from her marriage, her friendship also suffers from her obsession. She is unable to visit her friend without feeling resentful of her own situation, and therefore hardly keeps in touch with Madame Forestier. It is not known if Mathilde truly evolves in her views towards material goods. While she did make the necessary sacrifices, taking over the household chores, she still dreams about the night she lost the necklace, and doesn't seem to come to a realization that she was actually very fortunate, having a loving husband, a home, and being able to afford household help. Also based on the ending of the story, we are not given any ideas as to how Mathilde reacts after learning the truth about the Necklace. Mathilde could therefore be considered a flat character, since she remains the same throughout.

Summary: The Necklace

The Necklace

Mathilde is a young woman from a humble background, who spends her time yearning for a life characterized by riches and material goods. She is displeased with her status, and with her marriage to a lowly clerk who works with the Ministry of Education. Though from a modest background she is very pretty, her beauty being enough to put her at the same status as a much wealthier woman. 

She has a friend who is wealthier than her, Madame Forestier, but who she struggles to keep in contact with due to resentment of her own situation. Her husband receives an invitation to an exclusive event at the Ministry, and gives it to Mathilde, expecting her to be excited. Instead she rejects the invitation, and cries at her lack of new clothing and jewels for the event. Her husband being supportive, asks Mathilde the cost of a new dress, and she gives him a cost that is the same sum he had saved for a new gun to go shooting with friends.