Structure

The short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant has a chronological structure and the events described in the story take place over the course of ten years.

The story begins with an introduction of Mathilde Loisel and the main trait of her personality: “She was one of those pretty and charming girls who are sometimes, as if by a mistake of destiny, born in a family of clerks”. Mathilde’s frustration with not being rich enough will have a central part to play in the plot. 

The event that drives the plot forward happens when Mathilde’s husband brings home an invitation to a ball: “ ‘The Minister of Public Instruction and Mme. Georges Ramponneau request the honor of M. and Mme. Loisel's company at the palace of the Ministry on Monday evening, January 18th.’ ”. Instead of being h...