The Necklace

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1884

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Multiple Choice

1. A (Various paragraphs)

2. C (Various paragraphs)

3. B (Various paragraphs)

4. B (Various paragraphs)

5. C (Various paragraphs)

6. A (Various paragraphs)

7. D (Various paragraphs)

8. B (Paragraph 4)

9. B (Various paragraphs)

10. D (Paragraph 123)

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Long Answer

1. The reader can infer that Mathilde wants the best necklace. From the beginning of the story, her desire for more material things has been clear, through her daydreams and her insistence on a new dress and jewelry for the party. The description of the beautiful jewelry box and the “superb diamond necklace” (Paragraph 45) reveals that it stood out to her as the best. (Various paragraphs)

2. Mathilde is unhappy with the changes to her way of living, as evidenced by diction used to describe her new “horrible life” (Paragraph 94), such as “drudgery” (Paragraph 95) and “odious” (Paragraph 95). Still, “she played her part heroically” (Paragraph 94), working hard daily. (Paragraphs 94-101)