Summary
The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant tells the story of Matilda Loisel, a woman dissatisfied with her modest lifestyle. Matilda, married to a humble clerk, dreams of wealth and luxurious possessions, feeling deeply unhappy with her simple life. One day, her husband brings home an invitation to a grand ball. Instead of being thrilled, Matilda laments that she has no elegant dress to wear, so her husband sacrifices his savings of four hundred francs for her to buy one.

As the party approaches, Matilda worries again—this time about her lack of suitable jewelry. Her husband suggests borrowing from her wealthy friend, Mme Jeanne Forestier, who lends her a beautiful diamond necklace. Wearing the necklace and her new dress, Matilda feels radiant at the ball, basking in the admiration she receives. However, on returning home, she discovers the necklace is missing. Despite retracing their steps, searching the streets, and advertising a reward, the necklace remains lost.

With no alternative, they buy a costly replica for thirty-six thousand francs, using all their savings and borrowing heavily. Over the next decade, their lives change drastically as they struggle to repay the debt. Matilda and her husband move to a cheaper apartment, work long hours, and endure hardship. After ten years of toil, Matilda encounters Mme Forestier, who fails to recognize her friend’s worn appearance. Matilda then reveals her struggle to replace the necklace, only to learn that the original was fake, worth merely five hundred francs.

This story highlights the dangers of materialism and dissatisfaction, suggesting that seeking luxury beyond one’s means can lead to hardship and loss of happiness.