English I Pre-AP
Study Guide for “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
1. What is the story’s setting (place, time)?
2. The first four paragraphs describe Mathilde Loisel’s basic character, including her values, background,
and interests.
A. List three important facts related to the reader in the first two paragraphs.
B. According to paragraphs 3 & 4, what kind of life does Mathilde desire?
3. What is the story’s point of view?
Does it shift or is it consistent? Explain.
4. Who is the protagonist? ______________________________________
Is the protagonist flat/round, dynamic/static? Explain. Cite text evidence to support your answers.
5. Who are the minor characters? What are their purposes in the story?
6. Who or what is the antagonist in the story?
7. A. Is there a symbol? If so, what is it and what does it represent?
B.
Is there a motif? If so, explain.
English I Pre-AP
8. What type of irony is present in this story?
How is it revealed?
How does the author build the story’s ironic ending? What story element contributes most to the
irony?
9. Is there a theme? If so, is it stated or implied?
What is the story’s theme (universal statement)?
Which story element(s) contribute most to the story’s theme?
10. How does the author’s style contribute to the characterization of Mathilde Loisel and the story’s
effective use of irony? Look at the following elements of style.
DICTIONA. Are the words in the opening abstract/concrete, formal/informal, literary/figurative, direct
narration/dialogue? Cite examples.
B.
Is the vocabulary made up of common or uncommon words? Explain.
Cite examples?
SYNTAX- Are the sentences long or short? Simple? Compound? Complex? What is the point of this?