Language

Style of language

The language used by Guy de Maupassant in the short story “The Necklace” is formal and mirrors the style of the 19th century, when the story was published. The author uses complex sentences filled with descriptive words, like in the following example: 

She thought of the long salons fitted up with ancient silk, of the delicate furniture carrying priceless curiosities, and of the coquettish perfumed boudoirs made for talks at five o'clock with intimate friends, with men famous and sought after, whom all women envy and whose attention they all desire.

Moreover, the author introduces dialogue, which highlights the characters’ personalities. For example, Mathilde comes across as manipulative when she convinces her husband to give her money to buy a dress: “ ‘I don't know exactly, but I think I cou...