"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant

Did Mathilde Do The "Right Thing?"

The short story "The Necklace" written by Guy de Maupassant causes readers to question if the dynamic main character, Mathilde, could be considered someone who has done the "right thing" or not. In the story, Mathilde misplaces what she presumes to be an expensive necklace and spends ten years of her life working to cover up her lie to her generous friend. Had Mathilde been honest from the start, she would have discovered that the necklace was a fake, and would have spared her and her husband a decade of misery and poverty. Mathilde's immediate reaction upon losing the necklace was for her to replace it and lie to her friend. This reveals that she does not value honesty. She prefers to not have someone mad at her than to be truthful with someone who trusted her. 

Although Mathilde's first instinct was to lie instead of telling the truth, one can argue that what she did was the "right thing" to do. She lies so that her friend will not be angry with her. Yes, it does seem as if Mathilde lies to Madame Forestier in order to save herself from confrontation. However, she dedicates ten years of her life, trading in her looks and charm, in order to pay for the necklace that she returns. Being a poor woman married to a clerk, Mathilde's looks are the only thing she valued in her life. Although she is an ungrateful person, it can be argued that she is a good friend to Madame Forestier.

Situational Irony in "The Necklace"

Situational irony is present throughout the story and has a strong influence on deciding whether or not Mathilde's actions were righteous. When she first realizes the necklace is lost, the audience might expect her to simply apologize to Madame Forestier, but she does the opposite and tells her husband they must borrow money to replace it. Years later, when Mathilde runs into Madame Forestier, she unexpectedly tells the story of her hardships, without anticipating her friend's reaction. Once Madame Forestier reveals the necklace was a fake, and all of Mathilde's and Loisel's hard work was for nothing, it is evident that Mathilde should have been honest from the start.