Background of the lesson The Necklace

1. THE NECKLACE
By Guy de Maupassant

3. TIME AND PLACE
Paris, France
During the late
1800s

4. BACKGROUND INFO
In late 1800s, society in Paris had a rigid
class structure.
Aristocrats were at the top of the social
ladder. They had wealth, large estates, and
many servants.

5. BACKGROUND INFO
 Below the aristocrats was the middle class. These consisted of
merchants, clerks, government workers, and others.
 Middle class families generally lived in modest homes or apartments
and could afford to hire a servant or two.
 They were not starving or poor, however they did have a lot less
money and social stature as the aristocrats.
 MIDDLE-CLASS WOMEN DID NOT WORK OUTSIDE THE
HOME. ONLY MEN WORKED.

6. BACKGROUND INFO
 Below the middle class, there was a huge number of peasants and
servants who worked for the rich or farmed the land.
 People would try to own material goods to make themselves look
higher in society than they were.
 Both men and women in the lowest class worked hard labor with
long hours for the rich.

7. CONNECTING TO THE
STORY
 In “The Necklace,” a character wishes she owned something far
more costly than she can afford.
 Write three reasons why a person might want to have expensive
things. Use at least three of these words: obtain, impress, exceed, and
identify.

8. GUY DE MAUPASSANT
 Wrote short stories that are realistic and pessimistic. Often have
surprise endings.
 “The Necklace” is perhaps his most widely read story.
 He was interested in the psychology of his characters.

9. Mini French Lesson
M. = Monsieur = Mr.
Mme. = Madame = Mrs.
So, a M. would be married to a Mme.