Themes and message

Appearance versus reality

One of the themes explored in the short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is the theme of appearance versus reality. The theme is mainly illustrated by Mathilde and by the society in which she lives. 

Mathilde is a poor woman who dreams of greatness. She despises her modest home and low economic background and wishes to be rich and indulge in luxuries. When she is invited to the ball, she manages to create a fake image of herself: 

She was prettier than them all, elegant, gracious, smiling, and crazy with joy. All the men looked at her, asked her name, endeavored to be introduced. All the attaches of the Cabinet wanted to waltz with her. She was remarked by the minister himself.

Mathilde manages to hide her reality by buying an elegant dress and wearing a borrow...