Sub-genres include irony, for its surprise ending, and morality tale, for important lessons it offers the reader. The Necklace is a fictional short story in the genre of Realism. Forestier reveals in a dramatic twist-ending, that the old necklace was a fake (called a 'paste'), worth no more than five hundred francs. When the women run into each other, Madame Forestier does not recognize the much older looking Mathilde after her years of toil. The couple must come up with thirty-four thousand francs to replace it, resulting in ten years of hard work to pay off the new necklace. She borrows an opulent necklace from her friend, Madame Forestier, to wear at a special party, but then loses the necklace.

The wife, Madame Mathlide Loisel, strives to appear wealthy (which she equates with happiness). Plot Summary: The story is set in 19th century France where the main characters are a middle class couple.

The Ramponneaus - The couple who throws the fancy party that the Loisels attend, George Ramponneau is the Minister of Public Instruction, Monsier Loisel's boss. Madame Forestier - The wealthy friend from whom Mathilde borrows the diamond necklace, Madame Forestier is the object of Mathilde's jealousy. Monsieur Loisel - Mathilde's husband is completely content as a clerk, enjoys his humble lifestyle and is generous. She borrows jewels from her rich friend and wears a beautiful gown, but her happiness is fleeting when she loses the necklace and is forced to spend the rest of her life paying off the debt to replace it. She remains miserable in her middle class status and strives to appear wealthy and glamorous for a fancy party. Mathilde Loisel - The greedy wife of a clerk who seeks wealth and believes it will bring her happiness.

Novel the necklace