Many of us hear from a young age that beauty is generally a superficial aspect, one that is also seen through one’s personality, or even actions. “The Necklace” is a short story by Marjorie Laurie in which a young lady, Mathilde, loses a necklace she borrowed from a friend and her husband, Loisel, helps her retrieve it. The theme taken from this story is that true beauty goes past the skin. Marjorie Laurie uses literary elements, such as tone and mood, symbolism and irony, and characterization, to get this message across. Marjorie Laurie creates a very patient tone in “The Necklace.” Although she is obviously critical of Mathilde’s actions and wants, her way of writing shows that she is understanding of Mathilde, almost as if everybody has
