The Diamond Necklace (The Classic Unabridged English Edition)

“The Diamond Necklace” has become one of Maupassant's popular works and is well known for highlighting martyr, and its ending. It is also the inspiration for Henry James's short story, “Paste”. “The Necklace” tells the story of Madame Mathilde Loisel and her husband. Mathilde always imagined herself in a high social position with wonderful jewels. However, she has nothing and marries a low-paid clerk who tries his best to make her happy. Through lots of begging at work her husband is able to get a couple of invitations to the Ministry of Public Instruction party. Mathilde then refuses to go, for she has nothing to wear.
Guy de Maupassant (1850–1893) was a popular French writer, considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the form's finest exponents. Maupassant was a protégé of Flaubert and his stories are characterized by economy of style and efficient, effortless dénouements (outcomes).