Justin Matthew G.

Estrada

STEM 12 – C

THE NECKLACE

SUMMARY OF THE STORY

Mathilde Loisel is a middle-class woman who dreams of a higher social status and the finer
things in life. She is married to a lowly clerk, Monsieur Loisel, and constantly daydreams about a life of
luxury and opulence. One day, her husband brings home an invitation to a prestigious ball, but Mathilde
is despondent because she believes she lacks the appropriate attire and jewelry to attend such a high-
society event. Monsieur Loisel offers to buy her a new dress, but Mathilde insists on having a beautiful
necklace.Mathilde borrows a stunning necklace from a wealthy friend and feels like a true aristocrat at
the ball. However, her moment of glory is short-lived. After the ball, she realizes she has lost the
borrowed necklace. Rather than admitting the truth to her friend, Mathilde and her husband decide to
replace the necklace secretly by buying a new one.To afford the replacement necklace, they live in
extreme poverty for years, taking out loans and making sacrifices. Mathilde's beauty fades, and she
loses her status. Finally, after years of hardship, Mathilde meets her wealthy friend and confesses that
she lost the necklace. To her shock, her friend reveals that the necklace was fake, merely costume
jewelry.

MORAL OF THE STORY

The moral of the story advises us to be honest and thankful for what we have, especially in the
face of adversity. It emphasizes how crucial it is to value our current situation and resist the urge to
always seek approval from others or material stuff. Being honest and growing gratitude can help us
discover happiness and prevent needless suffering brought on by chasing after fleeting pleasures. a
warning story on the negative effects of materialism, greed, and the desire for outward appearances. It
acts as a prompt to recognize the worth of integrity, modesty, and the basic pleasures in life.