English I Academic
Study Guide for “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
Complete the following questions in complete sentences! You may have to refer to your Literary Terms
packet to jog your memory of certain terms (in bold).
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. List three important facts related to the reader in the first two paragraphs.
i.
ii.
iii.
3. According to paragraphs 3 & 4, what kind of life does Mathilde desire?
4.
What is the story’s point of view? (i.e. third person omniscient, second person, etc?) Does it shift at all at
any point in the story or is it consistent? Explain.
5.
Who is the protagonist? ______________________________________
Is the protagonist a flat/round, dynamic/static character? How do you know? Cite text evidence to
support your answers.
6.
Who are the minor characters? What are their purposes in the story?
7.
Who or what is the antagonist in the story?
English I Academic
8. What might the necklace be a symbol for? What do you think it represents?
9.
What type of irony is present in this story and how is it revealed within the story?
10. What is the story’s theme (universal statement)? Why do you think the author wrote this story- to say
what about life? (i.e. The author’s message to the reader is that…OR The thematic message is that…)