1.++The+Necklace

Responding to Literature:

NEW PAGE: The Short Story New Post: TITLE: "The Necklace" by Guy De Maupassant

1) Discuss the issues of 2 of the following questions about the story: type in the questions and your reaction/response. Include a picture for illustration, if it helps explain your points.

 * How similar are you to the character, when you looked at the jewelry box, to choose the most "valuable" piece in the box? First describe her character a fully as you can... How easy is it to be like Madame Loisel? In what ways do we behave today that mimics her character and this behavior? Do you think that people still chase after wealth and social status today? Do you think the pursuit of status is worthwhile? Explain your opinion!
 * How does Madame Loisel change as a result of her experiences? Consider what she values in life; her positive and negative character traits; her behavior toward others; (her "blaming of others" for her life situation)
 * Madame Loisel pays dearly for jumping to a wrong or incorrect conclusion. Do you think it ultimately ruins her life or saves her life? Explain your choice.
 * The literary critic, Edward D. Sullivan declares that "The Necklace" is not just a story pointing to a moral, such as "Honesty is the best Policy" but a story showing that in people's lives "blind chance rules." Do you agree or disagree with Sullivan's argument? Cite evidence from the story to support your opinion.


 * 2) WHAT IF? Suppose that Madame Loisel had not lost the necklace**. On the basis of her feelings and actions (her character) at that point in the story, rewrite a story ending for the Necklace beginning at the point where she returns home from the fancy party. What would her future have been like?

**3) Research** from these links, and write about what you discovered concerning the related topics to "The Necklace."
Search for a picture/or pictures, which help illustrate the concepts you wrote about.

[] This U. S. Geological Survey Web site posts helpful information about what kinds of synthetic gems are manufactured and how they're produced.

[] The American Museum of Natural History discusses the methods used to synthesize diamonds, first established in the 1950s.

[] Learn the history behind the manufacturing of synthetic gemstones and which specific types are commonly imitated.