Internal conflict: The fact that the excessive pride of Mme. Loisel caused her emotional torment as she felt she’s been deprived of luxuries.
External conflict.
Man vs man: Mme. Loisel is not happy with her current life.
Man vs society: Mme. Loisel didn’t want to go to the ball because she thought that people could criticize her and make fun of her for not looking like a rich woman.
Man vs nature: The ball’s night was cold, so they took one of those old night cabs that are in Paris only after dark. They thought that the necklace could have stayed in the cab, so if they had not taken the cab, maybe they wouldn’t have lost it.
Climax: Mme. Loisel loses the necklace so she and her husband had to do everything they could to replace it.
Theme: People should be happy with what they have, they don’t need material things to be satisfied with their lives.
Voice: 3rd person.
Mood: Hopeful and reflexive.
Tone: Worried.
Resolution: Many years later, Mme. Forestier and Mme. Loisel met. Mme. Loisel told Mme. Forestier everything about the necklace situation and Mme. Forestier told her that the necklace was actually fake.
New resolution: 10 years later, Mme Loisel and Mme. Forestier met. Mme Loisel told her about the necklace, she wasn’t expecting what was going to happen. Mme. Forestier was truly mad, she told her that the necklace had a sentimental value and also a hidden key. Her mom gave it to her when she turned 21 and sadly died 1 week later. The key was to open a secret and safe room whenever there was a war or something dangerous was happening. Mme Loisel apologised and started to cry. Otherwise, Mme. Forestier wanted to punch her in the face but an old friend of hers passing by calmed her and took her home.
Alejandra Castro & Mariana Bolaño.
QUESTIONS
What is the setting of the story?
Paris.
At the beginning of the story, what is the cause of Madame Loisel’s unhappiness?
Her desire to be wealthy.
At first, why didn’t Mathilde want to go to the ball?
Because she didn’t have a dress.
What does Mr. Loisel sacrifice so his wife could purchase a new dress?
A new rifle to go hunting.
What conclusion can you draw about Mme. Loisel’s character based on the life she wants to live?
She cares most about material things.
What was the actual cost of the necklace?
500 francs.
How many years passed when they made good on everything, including the rates and the compound interest?
10 years.
What was the very first reaction of Madame Forestier when Madame Loisel went up to her?
She didn’t recognize her.
What was M Loisel’s job?
He was a minor civil servant at the ministry of education.
What does déclassé mean?
Lowered in social status.
