1.5.2 The Necklace - Part 2 - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Guy de Maupassant

Genre: Short Story (Realistic Fiction / Irony-based Narrative)

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

Part II of The Necklace begins with the frantic search for the lost necklace after Mathilde and her husband return from the ball. Unable to find it, they lie to Madame Forestier and decide to replace the necklace. Monsieur Loisel raises money through loans and hard bargains to buy a similar necklace worth 36,000 francs. To repay the debt, Mathilde works hard for ten long years, doing all household chores herself and leading a life of poverty. Eventually, when she meets Madame Forestier again and confesses everything, she is shocked to learn that the original necklace was a fake worth only 500 francs. The story ends on an ironic and tragic note, emphasizing how one false appearance changed their lives.

Theme / Central Idea

The story highlights the harsh consequences of pride, dishonesty, and living beyond one's means. It presents a powerful irony: how an attempt to appear wealthy resulted in real poverty and struggle.

Character Sketches (Point-wise)

1. Mathilde Loisel

• Physically aged, tired, and worn down in Part II

• Once proud and materialistic, now hardworking and enduring

• Accepts her fate and lives a life of sacrifice to pay back the debt

• Ultimately honest and courageous in revealing the truth to her friend

  
  

2. Monsieur Loisel

• Supportive and practical

• Works tirelessly and silently to clear the debt

• Makes personal sacrifices and handles the crisis with calm determination

• Reflects loyalty, patience, and selflessness

  
  

3. Madame Forestier

• Rich, elegant, and helpful in Part I

• In Part II, she appears surprised and empathetic when the truth is revealed

• Her revelation about the fake necklace changes the meaning of the whole story

  
  

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive/Gerund

   Sentence: “He sat copying a manuscript.”

   Question: Identify the gerund or present participle.

   Answer: copying – present participle

   
   

2. Passive Voice or Indirect Speech

   Sentence: “They dismissed their maid.”

   Question: Change into passive voice.

   Answer: Their maid was dismissed by them.

   
   

3. Modal Question

   Sentence: “You must write to your friend.”

   Question: Identify the modal and its use.

   Answer: must – expressing obligation

   
   

4. Tense / Transformation

   Sentence: “They looked in the folds of her dress.”

   Question: Change to present tense.

   Answer: They look in the folds of her dress.

   
   

5. Wh-question Framing

   Sentence: Loisel went back over the route they walked.

   Question: Frame a Wh-question.

   Answer: Where did Loisel go back?

   
   

Personal Response Questions

1. Was it right of Mathilde to hide the truth from her friend?

   No, Mathilde’s decision to lie caused unnecessary suffering. Honesty would have saved them ten years of hardship. The story shows how one small lie can lead to a big tragedy.

   
   

2. What do you think of Monsieur Loisel’s character after reading Part II?

   Monsieur Loisel proves to be a sincere and devoted husband. He sacrifices his comfort and works tirelessly to repay the debt, without blaming his wife, showing great patience and strength.

   
   

3. Do you think Madame Forestier should have told Mathilde the necklace was fake earlier?

   Madame Forestier may not have realized it was necessary. However, had she revealed the truth earlier, it would have saved Mathilde from years of struggle. It shows the importance of communication.

   
   

4. How would you feel if you were in Mathilde’s place after finding out the necklace was imitation?

   I would feel shocked, regretful, and broken. It would be very painful to know that years of hard work and poverty were caused by a misunderstanding and a desire to maintain false appearances.

   
   

True or False

1. The Loisels paid off their entire debt in five years.

   → False

   
   

2. Madame Forestier’s necklace was made of real diamonds.

   → False

   
   

3. Mathilde looked old and worn out after ten years of hardship.

   → True

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. Why did Mathilde not inform Madame Forestier about the lost necklace?

   She was afraid of being blamed and embarrassed. Instead, she and her husband chose to replace it secretly, which led to their downfall

   
   

2. What actions did Loisel take to find the lost necklace?

   He retraced their steps, searched the streets, contacted the police, newspapers, and cab companies, but found nothing. Later, he arranged money to buy a new one.

   
   

3. Describe the irony at the end of the story.

   The necklace that caused years of misery was fake. Mathilde’s attempt to maintain appearances led to real suffering, while truth could have saved them.

   
   

4. What changes did Mathilde undergo after losing the necklace?

   She transformed from a proud and vain woman to a hardworking, aged, and humble person who accepted her fate with silent dignity.

   
   

Appreciation or Reflection Paragraph

The second part of The Necklace completes the story with a tragic yet thought-provoking twist. Guy de Maupassant masterfully explores human vanity, pride, and the consequences of dishonesty. Mathilde’s transformation from a glamorous woman to a humble labourer is portrayed with depth and realism. The ending highlights situational irony, where the great sacrifice was made for something that had little value. The story teaches us that truth and contentment are better than false appearances. It leaves a lasting impression and a powerful life lesson.

About BhashaLab

BhashaLab is a dynamic platform dedicated to the exploration and mastery of languages - operating both online and offline. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), we offer language education that emphasizes measurable learning outcomes and recognized, transferable credits.

We offer:

1. NEP alligned offline language courses for degree colleges - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

2. NEP alligned offline language courses for schools - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

3. Std VIII, IX and X - English and Sanskrit Curriculum Tuitions - All boards

4. International English Olympiad Tuitions - All classes

5. Basic and Advanced English Grammar - Offline and Online - Class 3 and above

6. English Communication Skills for working professionals, adults and students - Offline and Online

Contact: +91 86577 20901, +91 97021 12044

Mail: info@bhashalab.com

Website: www.bhashalab.com