1. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

3. Background Information Grew up with mother after parents’ separation Read Shakespeare and other classic literature Hostile to religion Fought in Franco-Prussian War

4. 1878- Worked for the Ministry of Public Instruction- editor of newspapers while writing novel/short stories Became a well-known and wealthy writer Enjoyed solitude and meditation Grew paranoid from syphilis- placed in asylum after attempting suicide

5. Literature Considered one of the fathers of the modern short story Delighted in clever plotting Fascinated by psychiatry “The Necklace” published 1884 Known for: ◦ Detailed character studies ◦Brief but moving dramas ◦Plot twists ◦Social commentary

6. “The Necklace” Identify the following plot elements within the story: (Write a sentence or two for each) ◦Initial situation ◦Conflict ◦Complication ◦Climax ◦Suspense ◦Denouement ◦Conclusion

7. What are possible themes of the story?

8. How does Maupassant characterize Mathilde and Loisel? Think about their thoughts, actions, and traits, and come to a conclusion about each as a character.

9. Where are examples of irony in the story? Why might Maupassant use irony in these ways?