The Role Of Destiny In Guy De Maupassant's The Necklace

Guy De Maupassant’s short story The Necklace portrays an example of destiny as well as the consequences of a person’s decisions. The non-escaping reality of fate becomes apparent during the direst of situations. The hunger for possessions considered out of reach can drive a person to become resentful and angry, and therefore, turning one against his or her destiny. Although Maupassant’s leading lady Mathilde desperately desired a lifestyle she believed could have been achieved, the fate of her life ultimately over-shadowed the decisions she made. Fighting what is conclusively unchangeable can be proven to have an ironic outcome on the choices made in everyday life.

In the introduction of the story, Mathilde is described as “one of those pretty and charming girls who are sometimes, as if by a mistake of destiny, born into a family of clerks” (Maupassant). This statement symbolizes the potential Mathilde possesses; however, her placement in life was not one considered high-class. From reading the previous statement, it is to be assumed she is not truly meant to be a woman of a high standing. The text describes the desire and need she has for items other women possess. While she and her husband are

not considered poor, the thirst she has for finer endeavors is not satisfied by mediocrity. Mathilde becomes consumed in misery as well as resentment because of her average life. Her suffering causes selfish decisions which ultimately bring despair to her and her husband.
Maupassant emphasizes vivid examples of Mathilde’s self-indulgent thoughts and feelings. One statement presumes, “She was unhappy as though she had fallen from her proper station” (Maupassant). In one instance, her husband allows her the money, which he had saved to buy a gun, to buy a dress for an event. The feeling of dread she expresses for buying such a dress without having a gem or jewel to go with it displays a sense of inconsideration for anyone besides herself. The desire she has for a life she has not been given could be considered as a feeling of greed. Mathilde’s unacceptance of the circumstances fate has given her foreshadows decisions she is yet to make.
The struggle to rise against the layout of our life can be a battle some will overcome.

One may not understand the idea of fate, but that does not mean it is only a myth. Overall, Mathilde had the opportunity to become content with her life. The selfishness she displayed may have played a role in her downfall; however, the irony of fate had a great deal in the outcome of Maupassant’s story. Mathilde’s carelessness and pride allowed her to lose a necklace she had borrowed from a kind friend of hers. Mathilde’s apathy demonstrates that she became reckless with property that was not hers in order to fulfill the dreams she had desired all of her life. The passage claims, “She danced with intoxication, with passion, made drunk by pleasure, forgetting all. . . .”

(Maupassant).
I personally believe the cruel hand of destiny brought forth Mathilde’s downfall. Although we feel in control of our resolutions in life, fate decides the true conclusion of our choices. Allowing ones personality to shift into an attitude of entitlement is a dangerous risk. Maupassant’s closure of the story shows irony as well as a lesson in our decisions. We must learn to let our destiny unfold naturally.