Maharashtra State Board Class 9 English Lesson The Necklace Summary, Line by Line Explanation, Theme, Poetic Devices along with difficult word meanings from English Kumarbharati Book
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The Necklace Maharashtra State Board Class 9 English
– Adapted from ‘The Necklace’ by Guy de Maupassant
The Necklace Introduction
The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant is a short story about a woman named Madame Loisel who yearns for a life of luxury. When she is invited to a grand ball, she borrows a stunning necklace from a wealthy friend. Unfortunately, she loses the necklace, leading to a series of unfortunate events that dramatically change her life.
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Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson The Necklace
The themes of the story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant are:
Social class and status: The story explores the importance of social standing and appearances in society. Madame Loisel is obsessed with achieving a higher social status and is willing to go to great lengths to do so.
Materialism and vanity: The necklace becomes a symbol of materialism and vanity in the story. Madame Loisel’s obsession with the necklace highlights the dangers of placing too much importance on material possessions.
Irony and fate: The story is filled with irony, as Madame Loisel’s pursuit of social status ultimately leads to her downfall. Despite her efforts, she ends up in a worse situation than she started. This irony underscores the idea that fate or chance can play a significant role in one’s life.
The power of appearances: The story also explores the power of appearances and how they can deceive others. Madame Loisel’s friends and acquaintances are fooled by her borrowed necklace and believe her to be wealthy and successful. This highlights the importance of not judging people based on their outward appearances.
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The Necklace Summary
The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant is a short story about a young woman named Madame Loisel who is obsessed with social status and appearances. She is invited to a grand ball and, wanting to impress her friends, borrows a beautiful necklace from a wealthy friend. However, she loses the necklace and, fearing social disgrace, she and her husband go into debt to replace it.
Over the next ten years, the Loisels live in poverty, sacrificing their comforts and happiness to pay off the debt. Finally, they discover that the original necklace was actually fake, and they had suffered greatly for nothing. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of contentment with what one has.
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The Necklace Summary in Hindi
“द नेकलेस” गाय डी मौपासां की एक छोटी कहानी है, जिसमें एक महिला, मैडम लोईसेल, का वर्णन किया गया है जो सामाजिक स्थिति और दिखावे के प्रति जुनूनी होती है। उसे एक भव्य बॉल में आमंत्रित किया जाता है और अपने दोस्तों को प्रभावित करने के लिए, वह एक अमीर दोस्त से एक सुंदर हार उधार लेती है। हालांकि, वह हार खो देती है और सामाजिक अपमान के डर से, वह और उसके पति ऋण चुकाने के लिए गरीबी में जीते हैं।
अगले दस वर्षों में, वे गरीबी में जीते हैं, अपने आराम और खुशी का त्याग करते हुए ऋण चुकाने के लिए प्रयास करते हैं। अंत में, उन्हें पता चलता है कि मूल हार वास्तव में नकली था । कहानी भौतिकवाद के खतरों और जो कुछ भी आपके पास है उसके साथ संतुष्ट रहने के महत्व के बारे में एक चेतावनी के रूप में कार्य करती है।
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The Necklace Lesson Explanation
PART-I
Passage: Mathilde was a pretty and charming girl, born, as if by an error of fate, into a family of clerks. She had no means of becoming known, understood, loved or be wedded to an aristocrat; and so she let herself be married to a minor official at the Ministry of Education.
Word Meaning
aristocrat: higher social class
Explanation: Mathilde is a beautiful and attractive woman, but she was born into a family of middle-class government employees. Mathilde longed for a higher social standing. She dreamed of being recognized, understood, and loved by someone from a higher social class, ideally an aristocrat. Despite her aspirations, Mathilde ends up marrying a man who is also from a middle-class background. He married a man who was an official at the Ministry of Education.
Passage: She dressed plainly, because she had never been able to afford anything better. She suffered endlessly, feeling she was entitled to all the luxuries of life. She suffered because of her shabby, poorly furnished house. All these things, that another woman of her class would not even have noticed, tormented her and made her resentful. She dreamed of a grand, palatial mansion, with vast rooms and inviting smaller rooms, perfumed for afternoon chats with close friends.
Word Meaning
Luxuries: Things that are considered comfortable or enjoyable but not essential.
Shabby: Worn, ragged, or in poor condition.
Poorly furnished: Furnished with low-quality or unattractive items.
Resentful: Feeling bitter or angry towards someone or something.
Palatial mansion: A large and impressive house, often with many rooms and luxurious features.
Explanation: Mathilde wore simple clothes because she couldn’t afford anything fancy. She was unhappy because she thought she deserved a luxurious lifestyle. She felt bad about her small, old-fashioned house. These things, which other women like her wouldn’t even think about, bothered her a lot and made her angry. She imagined having a big, beautiful house with lots of rooms where she could talk to her friends.
Passage: Yet, she had no rich dresses, no jewels, nothing; and these were the only things she loved. She wanted so much to charm, to be envied, to be sought after. She had a rich friend, a former schoolmate at the convent, whom she avoided visiting, because afterwards she would weep with regret, despair and misery.
Word Meaning
envied: Desired or coveted by others.
convent: A religious house for women.
despair: A feeling of hopelessness and despair.
misery: Great suffering or unhappiness.
Explanation: Mathilde was unhappy because she didn’t have any fancy clothes or jewelry. She wanted to be admired and envied by others, but she couldn’t afford those things. She had a friend who was very wealthy, but she avoided seeing her because it would make her feel even worse about her own situation.
Passage: One evening her husband came home with an air of triumph, holding a large envelope in his hand. “Look,” he said, “here’s something for you.”
Word Meaning
Triumph: a feeling of great satisfaction or achievement.
Envelope: a sealed paper container for holding letters or documents.
Explanation: One evening, Madame Loisel’s husband came home feeling very excited. He had a big envelope in his hand and asked her to look into it.
Passage: She tore open the paper and drew out a card, on which was printed the words:
“The Minister of Education and Mme. Georges Rampouneau request the pleasure of M. and Mme. Loisel’s company at the Ministry, on the evening of Monday, January 18th.”
Word Meaning
Tore open: Ripped open forcefully
Drew out: Pulled out
Explanation: Madame Loisel was eager to read the contents of the letter. The letter contained a formal invitation card. This was a formal invitation to a social event hosted by the Minister of Education and his wife at the Ministry building on January 18th.
Passage: Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, she threw the invitation on the table resentfully, and muttered, “What do you want me to do with that? And what do you expect me to wear if I go?” He hadn’t thought of that. He stammered, “Why, the dress you go to the theatre in. It seems very nice to me …”
Word Meaning
Delighted: Very pleased or happy.
Resentfully: In a way that shows anger or annoyance.
Muttered: Said something quietly and indistinctly.
Stammered: Spoke with difficulty, often repeating words or sounds.
Explanation: Madame Loisel was upset when she saw the invitation to the ball. She didn’t think she had a nice enough dress to wear, so she complained to her husband. Her husband hadn’t thought about the dress and suggested she wear the one she usually wore to the theater.
Passage: He stopped, stunned, distressed to see his wife crying. He stuttered, “What’s the matter ? Let’s see, Mathilde. How much would a suitable dress cost ?”
Word Meaning
Stunned: Shocked or amazed, often to the point of being unable to speak or act.
Distressed: Upset, worried, or troubled.
Stuttered: Spoke with difficulty, often repeating sounds or words.
Explanation: He was surprised and upset to see his wife crying. He asked her what was wrong and tried to figure out how much money they would need to buy a nice dress.
Passage: She thought for a moment, computing the cost, and also wondering what amount she could ask for without an immediate refusal. At last she answered hesitantly, “I don’t know exactly, but I think I could do it with four hundred francs.”
Word Meaning
Computing: Calculating or estimating.
Hesitantly: In a hesitant or uncertain manner.
Refusal: The act of refusing or declining something.
Francs: This is the former currency of France. It was replaced by the euro in 2002.
Explanation: Mathilde was trying to figure out how much money she could ask her husband for the dress. She didn’t want to ask for too much and get turned down right away. So, she thought about it and decided that she could probably manage with 400 francs.
Passage: He turned a little pale, because he had been saving that exact amount to buy a gun for a hunting summer, in the country near Nanterre, with a few friends. However, he said, “Very well, I can give you four hundred francs. But try and get a really beautiful dress.”
Word Meaning
pale: lacking color, especially in the face; appearing sickly or exhausted.
Nanterre: a suburb of Paris, France.
Explanation: Mr. Loisel was planning to use the money he had saved to buy a gun for a hunting trip in the country near Nanterre with his friends. However, when his wife asked him for money to buy a new dress, he reluctantly agreed to give her some. He said he could give her 400 francs, but he wanted her to make sure she got a really nice dress with the money.
Passage: The day of the party drew near, and Madame Loisel seemed sad, restless, anxious, though her dress was ready.
Word Meaning
Restless: Unable to relax or be still, often due to anxiety or boredom
Anxious: Feeling worried or uneasy about something that might happen.
Explanation: Despite having a beautiful dress, Mathilde felt nervous and sad as the day of the party approached.
Passage: One evening her husband said to her, “What’s the matter? You’ve been acting strange these last three days.”
She replied: “I’m upset that I have no jewels, not a single stone to wear. I would rather not go to the party.”
“You could wear flowers,” he said, “They are very fashionable at this time of year.” She was not convinced.
Word Meaning
strange: unusual
Explanation: Mr. Loisel noticed that Mathilde was acting sad and upset. He asked her why, and she told him that she was feeling bad because she didn’t have any jewelry to wear to a party. Her husband suggested that she wear flowers instead, as they were popular at the time. But Madame Loisel wasn’t happy with that idea. She wanted to wear expensive jewelry.
Passage: The next day she went to her friend’s house and told her of her distress.
Madame Forestier went to her mirrored wardrobe, took out a large box, brought it back, opened it, and said to Madame Loisel:
“Choose, my dear.”
Word Meaning
Distress: A state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or suffering.
Explanation: The next day, Madame Loisel went to her friend’s house to tell her about her worry. Madame Forestier, the friend, went to her closet, took out a box, and told Madame Loisel to choose a necklace to wear with her dress at the ball.
Passage: First Mathilde saw some bracelets, then a pearl necklace. She tried on the jewellery in the mirror. She kept asking, “You have nothing else?” “Why, yes. But I don’t know what you like.”
Word Meaning
Tried on: To put on clothing or jewelry to see if it fits or looks good.
Explanation: Mathilde was looking for jewelry to wear to the party. She saw some bracelets and a necklace, and she liked them. She tried them on to see how they looked. She was still looking for more jewelry and asked her friend if she had anything else. Madame Forestier said she did, but she wasn’t sure what Mathilde would like.
Passage: Suddenly she discovered, in a black satin box, a superb diamond necklace, and her heart began to beat with uncontrolled desire. Her hands trembled as she took it. She fastened it around her neck and stood lost in ecstasy as she looked at herself.
Word Meaning
Ecstasy: a state of overwhelming happiness or excitement
Fastened: secured or attached firmly
Explanation: Madame Loisel was very excited when she saw a beautiful diamond necklace kept in a black satin box. She put it on and felt very happy and proud of herself. She couldn’t stop admiring how it looked on her.
Passage: Then she asked anxiously, hesitating, “Would you lend me this, just this?” “Why, yes, of course.”
She threw her arms around her friend’s neck, rapturously, then fled with her treasure.
Word Meaning
Rapturously: With great joy, excitement, or delight.
Explanation: Madame Loisel was very excited about the necklace and asked her friend if she could borrow it. Her friend said yes. Madame Loisel was so happy that she hugged her friend and took the necklace.
Passage: The day of the party arrived. Madame Loisel was a success. She was prettier than all the other women, elegant, gracious, smiling, and full of joy.
She danced wildly, with passion, forgetting everything in the triumph of her beauty and success, floating in a cloud of happiness.
Word Meaning
Elegant: graceful and refined in appearance or manner
Gracious: courteous and kind
Joy: great happiness and pleasure
Passion: strong and intense emotion or enthusiasm
Triumph: a great victory or success
Explanation: On the day of the ball, Mathilde achieved her goal of being admired and envied at the party. She was the center of attention, radiating confidence and happiness. She was completely absorbed in the moment, enjoying the attention. She was in a state of bliss and contentment.
Passage: Mathilde and her husband left at about four o’clock in the morning. When they were finally in the street, they could not find a cab. They walked down toward the Seine, till they found one. They were dropped off at their door in the Rue des Martyrs, and sadly, it was all over, for her.
Word Meaning
Rue des Martyrs: This is a street in Paris, France.
Explanation: Mathilde and her husband left for their home at 4 AM, which suggests they attended the ball till late night. Upon reaching the street, they couldn’t find a cab, so they had to walk a significant distance. Finally, they found a cab and were taken back to their home on Rue des Martyrs. The end of their journey marked the end of a night that had likely been filled with excitement and happiness for Mathilde.
Passage: In front of the mirror, she took a final look at herself in all her glory. But suddenly she uttered a cry. She no longer had the necklace round her neck!
“What is the matter ?” asked her husband.
She turned towards him, panic-stricken, “I have … I have … I no longer have Madame Forestier’s necklace.”
He stood up, distraught, “What!… how! …That’s impossible !”
Word Meaning
glory: great beauty or magnificence
panic-stricken: feeling extreme fear or alarm
distraught: deeply upset and distressed
uttered: to say something aloud
Explanation: Madame Loisel was looking at herself in the mirror after returning from the party. She was feeling very confident and beautiful. Suddenly, she realized that she had lost the necklace she was wearing. She was very scared and worried because she knew the necklace was very expensive.
Her husband was surprised and upset when she told him she had lost it.
PART-II
Passage: They looked in the folds of her dress, in the folds of her cloak, in her pockets, everywhere. But they could not find it.
Word Meaning
folds: creases or bends in fabric.
cloak: A loose outer garment, often with a hood.
Explanation: The couple searched diligently in various places. They checked the creases and folds of her dress and cloak, as well as her pockets.
Passage: “Are you sure you still had it on when you left the hall?” he asked. “Yes. I touched it in the hall at the Ministry.”
Word Meaning
had it on: This phrase means “were wearing it.”
Explanation: Mr. Loisel asked her wife if she was definitely wearing the necklace when she left the party hall. She confirms that she was and even remembers feeling it on her while she was still inside.
Passage: “But if you had lost it in the street we would have heard it fall. It must be in the cab.” “Yes. That’s probably it. Did you take his number?” “No.”
Word Meaning
Cab: A small motor vehicle, especially one for hire.
Explanation: The couple is trying to figure out where they lost a valuable necklace. They think it might have fallen out of the cab they took, but they didn’t get the cab driver’s contact information. So, they couldn’t call him to ask if the necklace was in the cab.
Passage: They stared at each other, stunned. At last Loisel put his clothes on again. “I’m going back,” he said, “Over the whole route we walked, and see if I can find it.”
Word Meaning
Stunned : Shocked or overwhelmed, often to the point of being unable to speak or act.
Route: A planned way of getting from one place to another.
Explanation: Mr. Loisel and Mathilde were shocked upon realizing that the necklace was lost.. Loisel decided to go back to the place where they had walked that night, hoping to find the lost necklace.
Passage: He left. She remained in her ball dress all night, her mind blank. Her husband returned at about seven o’clock. He had found nothing.
Word Meaning
blank: empty, without thought or feeling.
Explanation: Mr. Loisel left to search for the necklace, and Mathilde remained in her dress that she wore at the ball. Her mind was blank, implying that she is overwhelmed by shock or sadness. The husband returns home at 7 o’clock empty-handed, indicating that he has been unsuccessful in his search for the necklace.
Passage: He went to the police, to the newspapers to offer a reward, to the cab companies, everywhere the tiniest glimmer of hope led him.
Word Meaning
glimmer of hope: This means the smallest or weakest sign or possibility of something good or positive happening.
Explanation: Mr. Loisel exhausted all possible avenues, turning to the police, newspapers, cab companies, and any other place where he thought he might find a clue. The phrase “the tiniest glimmer of hope” emphasizes the husband’s determination and his willingness to try anything to recover the lost item.
Passage: She waited all day, in despair at this frightful disaster.
Loisel returned in the evening, a hollow, pale figure; he had found nothing. “You must write to your friend,” he said, “tell her you have broken the clasp of her necklace and that you are having it mended. It will give us time to look some more.”
She wrote as he dictated.
Word Meaning
Despair: A feeling of hopelessness or dejection.
Frightful: Causing great fear or alarm.
Disaster: A sudden, calamitous event, typically resulting in great loss or damage.
Hollow: Empty or lacking substance.
Pale: Having a light or whitish color.
Clasp: A fastener used to join two or more things.
Mended: Repaired or fixed.
Explanation: Madame Loisel was very upset because she had lost the necklace she borrowed from her friend. She waited all day for her husband to come home, hoping he could find it. When he returned, he looked sad and tired because he couldn’t find it either.
They decided to write a letter to her friend, saying that the necklace’s clasp was broken and they were fixing it. This would give them more time to look for the lost necklace. Madame Loisel wrote the letter as her husband told her what to say.
Passage: At the end of one week they had lost all hope. And Loisel, who suddenly looked aged, declared, “We must consider how to replace the jewel.”
Word Meaning
Aged: This means that Loisel looked older than he actually was, probably due to stress and worry.
Explanation: The couple has spent an entire week frantically searching for the lost jewel, but to no avail.Finally, they decide to find ways to replace the necklace as the original one was lost and nowhere to be found.
Passage: And so, they went from jeweller to jeweller, looking for a necklace like the other one, consulting their memories, both sick with grief and anguish.
Word Meaning
Anguish: Severe mental or physical pain.
Explanation: Madame Loisel had lost the original necklace she had borrowed for a ball, and she and her husband were desperately trying to find a similar one to replace it. They went from jeweler to jeweler, examining each necklace closely and trying to recall the details of the lost one. Their emotional state is described as “sick with grief and anguish,” emphasizing the intensity of their distress.
Passage: In a shop at the Palais Royal, they found a string of diamonds which seemed to be exactly what they were looking for. It was worth forty thousand francs. They could have it for thirty-six thousand.
Word Meaning
Palais Royal: This is a famous palace and square located in Paris, France.
Explanation: At a shop in the Palais Royal, they come across a string of diamonds that appeared to be identical to the lost necklace. The necklace was worth forty thousand francs, but the shopkeeper was willing to sell it to them for thirty-six thousand francs.
Passage: So they begged the jeweller not to sell it for three days. And they made an arrangement that he would take it back for thirty-four thousand francs if the other necklace was found before the end of February.
Word Meaning
Jeweller: A person who deals in jewelry.
Explanation: The couple pleaded with the jeweller to hold onto the replacement necklace for three days. This gives them more time to search for the original necklace or arrange the money for the replacement necklace.
Passage: Loisel had eighteen thousand francs which his father had left him. He would borrow the rest. And he did borrow. He gave notes, made ruinous agreements, dealt with every type of money-lender. Then he went to get the new necklace, and laid down on the jeweller’s counter thirty-six thousand francs.
Word Meaning
Notes: In this context, likely referring to promissory notes, which are written promises to pay a specific sum of money on a specific date.
Ruinous agreements: Agreements that are financially damaging or destructive.
Explanation: To arrange the money for the replacement necklace, Mr. Loisel starts with the 18,000 francs he inherited from his father. This is a significant sum, but it’s not enough to cover the entire cost of the replacement necklace. To make up the difference, Monsieur Loisel turns to borrowing. He borrows money from various sources, including friends, family, and even loan sharks.
Once he had gathered the necessary funds, Monsieur Loisel visits the jeweler and pays 36,000 francs for a new necklace.
Passage: When Madame Loisel took the necklace back, Madame Forestier said coldly, “You should have returned it sooner, I might have needed it.”
Word Meaning
coldly: in a manner that lacks warmth or friendliness.
Explanation: Madame Forestier told Mathilde that the necklace should have been returned earlier as she might have needed it. Madame Forestier’s cold response when Madame Loisel returns the necklace highlights the theme of social class and status in the story.
Passage: From then on, Madame Loisel knew the horrible life of the very poor. But she played her part heroically. The dreadful debt must be paid. She would pay it. They dismissed their maid; they changed their lodgings; they rented a garret under the roof.
Word Meaning
Garret: A small, poorly lit room under a roof, often used as a bedroom.
Heroically: In a brave, courageous, or noble way.
Explanation: Before losing the necklace, Madame Loisel lived a life of luxury and social standing. However, the debt incurred to replace it forces her to confront the harsh realities of poverty. She is forced to make significant sacrifices, including dismissing their maid and moving to a much smaller, less desirable apartment.
Passage: She came to know the drudgery of housework, the odious labours of the kitchen. She washed the dishes, the dirty linen, she carried the garbage down to the street every morning, and carried up the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath and dressed like a commoner. She had to bargain at markets, quarrel and face insults over every miserable sou.
Word Meaning
Drudgery: Hard, monotonous, and unpleasant work.
Odious: Extremely unpleasant or hateful.
Sou: A French unit of currency, roughly equivalent to a halfpenny.
Explanation: Mathilde is forced to take on the responsibilities of a working-class woman. She must do all the domestic chores, including washing dishes, laundry, and taking out the trash. She has to bargain at markets and argue over every penny, indicating her financial struggles. She feels humiliated and insulted by her new circumstances, as she is forced to dress and behave like a commoner.
Passage: Each month they had to pay some loans, renew others, get more time. Her husband worked extra, every evening, doing accounts for a tradesman, and often, late into the night, he sat copying a manuscript at five sous a page.
And this life lasted ten years. At the end of ten years they had paid off everything, even the interest.
Word Meaning
Manuscript: Manuscript refers to a handwritten or typed document, especially one that is considered to be the original or a very early copy of a work. It can be a book, article, letter, or any other form of written text.
Sou: A French unit of currency, roughly equivalent to a halfpenny.
Explanation: To replace the lost necklace, the Loisels had to take out loans. Every month, they had to pay back some of these loans and extend the repayment terms for others. To earn enough money to pay off their debts, Mr. Loisel worked tirelessly. He took on extra jobs, like doing accounting for a tradesman and copying manuscripts late into the night.
This difficult situation lasted for ten long years. Despite their hard work, it took them a decade to pay off all of their debts, including the interest.
Passage: Madame Loisel looked old now. Often, she brooded over the past – What would have happened if she had not lost that necklace? How strange life is, how fickle! How little is needed for one to be ruined or saved!
Word Meaning
Brooded: Thought about something deeply and often sadly.
Fickle: Likely to change one’s mind or feelings suddenly.
Explanation: Madame Loisel looked aged. She is filled with regret and spends a significant amount of time thinking about the past. She questions her choices and wonders how different her life could have been. Madame Loisel realizes that life is unpredictable and that small events can have major consequences. She acknowledges the role of chance and fate in shaping one’s life.
The loss of the necklace, a seemingly insignificant event, had a profound and lasting impact on her life. It led to years of hardship and sacrifice.
Passage: One Sunday, as she was walking in the Champs Élysées suddenly she saw Madame Forestier, still young, still beautiful, still charming.
Word Meaning
Champs Élysées: A famous avenue in Paris, France, known for its elegant shops, theaters, and cafes.
Explanation: When Madame Loisel encounters Madame Forestier years later on a Sunday at Champs Élysées, she sees that her friend is still good-looking, wealthy and prosperous, while she herself is now impoverished.
Passage: Madame Loisel felt emotional. Should she speak to her ? Yes, of course. And now that she had paid, she would tell her all. Why not ? She went up to her, “Good morning, Jeanne.”
Explanation: Madame Loisel wonders if she should speak to Madame Forestier or not. She finally decides to confess to her friend.
Mathilde greets Jeanne.
Passage: The other, astonished to be addressed so familiarly by this common woman, did not recognise her.
She stammered: “But-Madame -I don’t know. You must have made a mistake.” “No, I am Mathilde Loisel.”
Word Meaning
Familiarly: In a way that suggests a close or friendly relationship.
Stammered: Spoke with difficulty, often repeating sounds or words.
Explanation: Madame Forestier doesn’t recognize Mathilde due to the years of hardship Mathilde has endured. Mathilde has changed a lot physically and emotionally. When she introduces herself, Jeanne is shocked and doesn’t believe her.
Passage: Her friend uttered a cry, “Oh! … my poor Mathilde, how you’ve changed! …” “Yes, I have had some hard times since I last saw you, and many miseries … and all because of you! …”
“Me? How can that be?”
Word Meaning
Misery: Great suffering or unhappiness.
Explanation: When Madame Forestier sees how much Madame Loisel has aged and changed, she expresses sympathy. However, Madame Loisel is bitter and blamed Madame Forestier for her misfortunes.
Passage: “You remember that diamond necklace that you lent me to wear to the Ministry party?”
“Yes. Well ?”
“Well, I lost it.”
“What do you mean? You brought it back.”
“I brought you back another exactly like it. And it has taken us ten years to pay for it. It wasn’t easy for us, we had very little. But at last it is over, and I am very glad.”
Word Meaning
Glad: happy
Explanation: Madame Loisel confessed to her friend, Madame Forestier that she had lost the original necklace that she had borrowed to wear for the ball party. After losing the original necklace, Madame Loisel replaced it with another necklace that looked exactly like it. The replacement necklace was expensive, and it took Madame Loisel and her husband ten years of hardship to pay for it. Finally, the debt was paid off, and Madame Loisel is relieved and glad that the ordeal is over.
Passage: Madame Forestier was stunned.
“You say that you bought a diamond necklace to replace mine?”
“Yes; you didn’t notice then? They were very similar.” And she smiled with proud and innocent pleasure.
Madame Forestier, deeply moved, took both her hands. “Oh, my poor Mathilde ! Mine was an imitation ! It was worth five hundred francs at most! …”
Word Meaning
Imitation: A copy of something that is intended to be less valuable or authentic.
Explanation: Madame Forestier was completely surprised and taken aback by the news. She confirms that Mathilde had indeed bought a diamond necklace to replace the borrowed necklace. Mathilde’s confident and proud response suggests that she believed she had replaced the original necklace with an identical one.
Madame Forestier finally reveals the truth that the original necklace was a fake one, worth only 500 francs, a small fraction of what Mathilde and her husband had sacrificed.