A Closer Look at Character

English 102

A Closer Look at Character

In any literay work, it is absolutely essential to have characters, whether major or minor. It is also necessary to develop these characters through out the story. Character development gives the reader insight to the more important meanings or lessons of the story. These lessons are usually brought out by the events that take place within the story. Looking at Guy De Maupassant's piece "The Necklace", we see a very clear development of the main character Mathidle. In the story, we see a change in her attitude about life. This change come about when she has to learn one of life's little lessons the hard way. She and her husband are forced to live a life of hard work and struggle because of her own selfish desires. Mathilde changes from a woman who spends her time dreaming of all the riches and glory she doesn't have, to realizing that she over looked all the riches she did have.

Mathilde Østgård Sjåvik

Mathilde Østgård Sjåvik

Mathilde Østgård Sjåvik

The story opens with the description of how miserable Mathilde is. Maupassant describes her as "suffering constantly, feeling herself destined for all delicacies and luxeries." (Pg 4) She sits dreaming of silent rooms nicely decorated and her own private room, scented with perfume to have intimate "tete-a-tetes" with her closest friends. Then she is awakened, only to realize that she is in her own grim apartment. In her eyes, she lives a tortured and unfair life. Mathidle has a husband named Losiel. He is much the opposite of his wife. He is completely content with his lifestyle. He seems to be a very passive person, who doesn't let status or riches effect him. Of course, if he had the chance to be rich he would, but he doesn't dwell on the fact that he...