Should madame louisel have borrowed an expensive necklace from her friend give reasons for your answer
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The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant
The Necklace book cover
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In the story "The Necklace," why does Madame Loisel choose the necklace rather than any of the other pieces of jewelry?
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MWESTWOOD eNotes educator | CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
Madame Mathilde Loisel selects what she thinks is a diamond necklace because she believes it is "superb" and just the kind of dazzling jewelry that will enable her to attract the attention of the male guests and make her appear affluent.
Mathilde Loisel, who has been born into working class family, "grieves incessantly" because she feels that she was born for "all the little niceties and luxuries of living." She has long dreamed of being a guest at fashionable dinner parties in rooms decorated with tapestries that have images of historical characters and fairyland forests. There, also, are tables of gleaming silverware, and delicious dishes served on beautiful china.
One evening as Mme. Loisel dines with her husband, who is a minor clerk in the Ministry of Education. As they sit at a table that has been covered with the same cloth for three days, her husband hands her an invitation to an evening reception at the Ministerial Mansion. Rather than expressing delight, Mme. Loisel tosses the invitation onto the table, complaining in her self-pity, "What good is that to me?" Her husband, who does not understand why she has reacted in this manner, tells her that he has thought she would be thrilled, adding that he has had a difficult time procuring this invitation. But, the self-centered Mme. Loisel complains that she has no dress to wear. So, in his generosity, her husband sacrifices money he has saved for himself so that his wife can purchase a lovely dress for the reception.
But a pretty dress is not enough. Mme. Loisel feels that she needs some jewelry because
"There's nothing more humiliating than to look poor among a lot of rich women."
After remarking upon his wife's silliness, her husband suggests that she visit an old school friend, Mme. Forestier, and ask her if she will lend her some jewelry. With a cry of joy, Mathilde Loisel exclaims, "Why,...
Answer:
• No, she could have natural flowers as was the trend at that time of the year and avoided leading a life of suffering for ten years.