Status In Guy De Maupassant's The Necklace

In the story “The Necklace,” Guy de Maupassant illustrates through the actions and words of the characters that caring about one's status can have disastrous consequences. One example in the beginning of the story is when Madame Loisel is complaining of her belongings; and it reads, “She grieved over the shabbiness of her apartment, the dinginess of the walls, the worn-out appearance of the chairs, the ugliness of the draperies…which another woman of her class would not have noticed.” (Maupassant, p. 224) In the text, Mme. Loisel was disappointed that she did not have the luxuries that she deserved, yet she had all these necessities that, while they were not in the greatest shape, were still decent and in working condition. She is unappreciative for all that she has, and yet, she feels as if she deserves more wealth and niceties like someone with a high class would own. …show more content…
Loisel is being adored and her glamour and grace would catch the eye of every man there. She was the “prettiest one there, fashionable, gracious, smiling, and wild with joy. All the men turned to look at her, asked who she was, begged to be introduced.” (Maupassant, pp. 228-229) Looking more pristine and regal, she becomes more eye-catching and attractive. She loves the attention, feeling almost superior in comparison to the other women, being the “richest” and “classiest” one there. The last example of status in this story is in the end when Mme. Loisel becomes old and poor-looking. In just ten years of hard work, “Mme. Loisel appeared an old woman, now. She became heavy, rough, harsh, like one of the