The Necklace: An Thematic Analysis - Essay Example

The researcher states that although an even deeper and fuller analysis reverts back to such a basic premise, the literary devices, and the means by which the author develops such a theme are far from simplistic.  In this way, the plot itself is not what allows the story to have a nuanced and accomplished flavor; rather, it is the way that author is able to seek to differentiate what would otherwise be a simple story with advanced and/or complementary elements of characterization, symbolism, and setting which aid the story in both its overall integrity and believability as well as its power.

The first of these elements with which this author will seek to briefly engage is that of the plot.  As stated, the plot is a fairly simplistic one whose power is only augmented by the other literary elements that the author seeks to employ.  Interestingly, the level of forecasting and foreboding that the author incorporates does not lead to the weakening of the structural integrity or overall level of interest the story portends.  Whereas a heavy degree of forecasting is often indicative of a fairly weak plot that is too concentric upon an end goal or moral, Maupassant’s short story helps to reader to engage with the fact that the protagonist’s greatest struggle lies not in the wants and needs that a more lavish material lifestyle could provide but from a core hollowness that is exhibited and threatens every aspect of her life, her marriage, and her worldview. . As Mathilde Loisel is described as and exhibits signs of material mindedness, the reader is left to piece together a recognizable tale of greed and selfishness which invariably will lead to the complete and total financial and moral ruin of the family.

These factors of course lead on to recognize the way that Maupassant engages the reader with the overall symbolism within the story. Rather than merely relating a simple story within what could be understood as a simple allegorical vehicle of sadness and loss, the writer chooses instead to relate the story in a manner which portends highly Biblical and figurative language indicative of mankind’s seemingly never-ending quest to gratify insatiable needs and wants. The first way in which the author attempts to convey such a thought is the way that he uses the relationship between husband and wife as indicative of the self-serving nature of the way that Mathilde views her life and its surroundings.

Rather than being satisfied with adequate, Mathilde is overcome by a desire to experience more than what she has. She wants fine china, better quality and variety of her foods, a nicer home, a husband that can provide these luxuries, and wealthy friends with which to enjoy such finery with (Maupassant 15). This desire is of course juxtaposed with the fact that the husband himself is totally satisfied with a simple/humble life and appears to be satisfied not only in these things but also within the marriage as a whole.

Moreover, the strong undertone of an Adam and Eve-like relationship develops between the two characters as the story progresses. Although this may be seen as a stretch, the reader should consider the fact that Eve (Mathilda)