WorksheetsAnalysis of Madame Loisel in 'The Necklace'
Total questions: 25
Worksheet time: 1hrs 19mins
Based on the excerpt from "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, analyze how Madame Loisel’s feelings about her social status influence her actions and emotions throughout the passage.
Madame Loisel’s dissatisfaction with her social status leads her to appreciate the simple joys of her life and find happiness in her marriage.
Madame Loisel’s feelings of inferiority and longing for luxury cause her to suffer emotionally and resent her circumstances, as shown by her constant dreaming and dissatisfaction.
Madame Loisel’s acceptance of her social status allows her to form strong friendships and enjoy her daily routines.
Madame Loisel’s pride in her social status motivates her to work hard and improve her family’s financial situation.
Evaluate the significance of the invitation Madame Loisel receives at the end of the passage. How does this event serve as a turning point in the story, based on the information provided?
The invitation is insignificant and does not affect Madame Loisel’s life or emotions in any way.
The invitation marks a turning point because it offers Madame Loisel an opportunity to experience the luxury and social status she has always desired, which may lead to important decisions and consequences.
The invitation causes Madame Loisel to become more content with her current life and appreciate her husband’s efforts.
The invitation is a routine event that Madame Loisel attends without any emotional impact or change in her behavior.
Using evidence from the passage, reason how Madame Loisel’s perception of herself compares to her actual circumstances. What does this reveal about her character?
Madame Loisel perceives herself as fortunate and content, which matches her actual circumstances.
Madame Loisel sees herself as deserving of luxury and elegance, but her actual circumstances are modest and unremarkable, revealing her dissatisfaction and longing for a different life.
Madame Loisel believes she is less fortunate than she actually is, showing her tendency to exaggerate her problems.
Madame Loisel’s perception of herself is based on her achievements and hard work, which is reflected in her comfortable lifestyle.
Mathilde is offered the suggestion to wear natural flowers instead of jewels to the ball. Critically assess her response and explain what it reveals about her perception of social status and self-worth.
She is pleased and feels confident, showing she values simplicity.
She is humiliated and rejects the idea, indicating her concern with appearances and social comparison.
She is indifferent and accepts the suggestion without question.
She is angry and decides not to attend the ball at all.
Evaluate the significance of the necklace in the story. What does it symbolize for Madame. Loisel, and how does it influence her actions and decisions?
The necklace symbolizes her friendship with Mine. Forestier, influencing her choices and actions throughout the story.
The necklace represents her longing for wealth, status, and acceptance, driving her to make choices based on appearance rather than reality.
The necklace is a family heirloom, shaping her decisions and actions but without deeper symbolic meaning.
The necklace is a symbol of her husband's love, affecting her behavior and the choices she makes in the story.
Analyze the actions taken by Loisel after discovering the loss of Madame. Forestier’s necklace. What do these actions reveal about his character and priorities?
He immediately blamed his wife and refused to help, showing his lack of responsibility.
He calmly went to bed and waited for the problem to resolve itself, showing indifference.
He searched everywhere, went to police headquarters, newspaper offices, and offered a reward.
He ignored the situation and left his wife to deal with it alone, showing his disregard.
Consider the emotional and psychological impact on Loisel and his wife after losing the necklace. How did their reasoning and actions demonstrate their response to adversity?
They remained calm and unaffected, showing no emotional response.
They experienced chagrin and anguish, consulted their memories, and worked together to solve the problem.
They blamed each other and refused to cooperate.
They celebrated the loss as an opportunity for change.
Analyze how the loss of the necklace impacted Madame. Loisel's life and discuss the changes she underwent over the ten years following the incident.
She became wealthy and lived a luxurious life.
She experienced poverty, hard labor, and physical changes.
She traveled widely and met many new people.
She became successful and ran her own business.
Using evidence from the text, explain how Madame. Loisel’s perception of herself and her life changed after she met Madame. Forestier again at the end of ten years.
She felt proud of her new life and spoke about her accomplishments.
She was ashamed of her suffering and blamed Mme. Forestier for it.
She realized how much she had changed and felt the weight of her suffering.
She was indifferent to her past and did not care about it anymore.
Strategically reason what might have happened if Mme. Loisel had told Madame. Forestier about losing the necklace immediately.
Mme. Forestier would have been angry and demanded repayment for the lost necklace.
Mme. Forestier might have revealed the necklace was a fake, saving Mme. Loisel years of hardship.
Mme. Loisel would have been sent to prison for losing the necklace.
Mme. Forestier would have ignored her and refused to help with the lost necklace.
Analyze the consequences of Mathilde's decision to replace the lost necklace without telling Madame. Forestier. How did this decision impact her life over the next ten years?
Mathilde became wealthy and happy after replacing the necklace, living a life of luxury.
Mathilde and her husband spent ten years paying off the debt for the replacement necklace, which caused them hardship.
Mathilde immediately confessed to Mme. Forestier and faced no consequences, continuing her life as before.
Mathilde was rewarded for her honesty and received a new necklace, improving her situation greatly.
Based on the passage, what reasoning might Mathilde have used to justify not telling Madame. Forestier about losing the necklace, and what does this suggest about her character?
She wanted to avoid embarrassment and believed replacing the necklace would solve the problem.
She wanted to avoid confrontation and believed ignoring the loss would solve the problem.
She wanted to avoid suspicion and believed finding another necklace would solve the problem.
She wanted to avoid panic and believed waiting for the necklace to be found would solve the problem.
Examine the quote that comes from the passage between paragraphs 43-62
“And [Madame Loisel] kept asking: ‘Do you have anything else, by chance?”
“Why yes. Here, look for yourself. I don’t know which ones you’ll like.”
The author described events this way to demonstrate something about the characters. Which effect best describes what the author wanted to show the audience?
The author’s imagery reflected how Madame Loisel was able to forget her real status for a moment.
The author’s sensational, dramatic tone emphasized Madame Loisel’s desire for luxury.
The author used dialogue to juxtapose Madame Loisel's desperation with Madame Forestier's indifference.
The author characterized Madame Loisel as a thief, reflecting how she yearns for wealth.
Examine the quote that comes from the passage between paragraphs 43-62
“[Madame Loisel’s] hands trembled as she picked up [the necklace]. She fastened it around her neck…and stood there gazing at herself ecstatically.”
The author described events this way to demonstrate something about the characters. Which effect best describes what the author wanted to show the audience?
The author’s imagery reflected how Madame Loisel was able to forget her real status for a moment.
The author’s sensational, dramatic tone emphasized Madame Loisel’s desire for luxury.
The author used dialogue to juxtapose Madame Loisel's desperation with Madame Forestier's indifference.
The author characterized Madame Loisel as a thief, reflecting how she yearns for wealth.
Examine the quote that comes from the passage between paragraphs 43-62
“[Madame Loisel] threw her arms around her friend’s neck, kissed her ardently, and fled with her treasure.”
The author described events this way to demonstrate something about the characters. Which effect best describes what the author wanted to show the audience?
The author’s imagery reflected how Madame Loisel was able to forget her real status for a moment.
The author’s sensational, dramatic tone emphasized Madame Loisel’s desire for luxury.
The author used dialogue to juxtapose Madame Loisel's desperation with Madame Forestier's indifference.
The author characterized Madame Loisel as a thief, reflecting how she yearns for wealth.
Examine the quote that comes from the passage between paragraphs 43-62
“[Madame Loisel] danced enraptured…floating in a cloud of happiness formed by all this homage, all this admiration…”
The author described events this way to demonstrate something about the characters. Which effect best describes what the author wanted to show the audience?
The author’s imagery reflected how Madame Loisel was able to forget her real status for a moment.
The author’s sensational, dramatic tone emphasized Madame Loisel’s desire for luxury.
The author used dialogue to juxtapose Madame Loisel's desperation with Madame Forestier's indifference.
The author characterized Madame Loisel as a thief, reflecting how she yearns for wealth.
What is the meaning of the phrase “makes humble girls the peers of the grandest ladies” in paragraph 2?
The qualities listed can help poor and disadvantaged women achieve as much class and refinement as the wealthy.
The qualities listed can help poor and disadvantaged women achieve better marriages with wealthy men in society.
The qualities listed can help wealthy and privileged women prove their dominance over the poor.
The qualities listed can help wealthy and privileged women prove their worth and marry better than the poor.
Select the one word in this excerpt that means sorrowful or regretful.
rueful
redolent
breeches
enchanting
Select the one word that means strongly suggestive of something.
rueful
redolent
knick-knack
upholstered
What tone does the author convey in paragraphs 1-6, and how do they accomplish that?
The author describes both the opinions of the poor and rich in society to evoke a tone of equality and justice.
The author describes both the opinions of the poor and rich in society to evoke a tone of injustice and inequality.
The author provides charged language such as bronze and huge to provide a tone of majesty and delight.
The author provides charged language such as distress and torment to provide a tone of despair and unhappiness.
Part A: How does the disconnect between the characters’ expectations and reality in this section reflect their relationship?
It reflects the close bond they share in their romantic relationship.
It reflects the distance between them in their long-distance relationship.
It demonstrates the opposing desires and conflict in their relationship.
It demonstrates the similar desires and resolution in their relationship.
Part B: What line from the text supports the answer to Part A?
Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, she tossed the invitation on the table and muttered, annoyed; “What do you expect me to do with that?” (11-12)
“But what about the dress you wear to the theater? I think it’s a lovely…” He fell silent, amazed, and bewildered to see that his wife was crying. (17-18)
At last, not too sure of herself, she said: “It’s hard to say exactly but I think I could manage with four hundred francs.” (26)
“You certainly know her well enough for that, don’t you think?” She let out a joyful cry. (39-40)
Part A: How does the disconnect between the characters’ expectations and reality in this section reflect their relationship?
It reflects the close bond they share in their romantic relationship.
It reflects the distance between them in their long-distance relationship.
It demonstrates the opposing desires and conflict in their relationship.
It demonstrates the similar desires and resolution in their relationship.
Part B: What line from the text supports the answer to Part A?
Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, she tossed the invitation on the table and muttered, annoyed; “What do you expect me to do with that?” (11-12)
“But what about the dress you wear to the theater? I think it’s a lovely…” He fell silent, amazed, and bewildered to see that his wife was crying. (17-18)
At last, not too sure of herself, she said: “It’s hard to say exactly but I think I could manage with four hundred francs.” (26)
“You certainly know her well enough for that, don’t you think?” She let out a joyful cry. (39-40)
Part A: What does the conversation between Mathilde and her husband in paragraphs 12-37 reveal about the characters’ different points of view regarding the party?
The conversation illustrates that both characters are concerned about how the others will behave at the party.
The conversation shows the different ways each character believes the party will demonstrate their social status.
The conversation emphasizes the different opinions each character has of the Minister of Education and his wife.
The conversation highlights the different levels of experience each character has in attending parties thrown by society’s prominent members.
Part B: Which TWO quotations best support each character's point of view? Select one quotation for each character.
Mathilde: “What do you want me to do with this?”
Monsieur Loisel: “Everyone wants one; it’s very select, and very few go to clerks.”
Monsieur Loisel: “It looks nice, to me…”
Mathilde: “I don’t know exactly, but I think I could do it on four hundred francs.”
Mathilde: “...there’s nothing so humiliating as looking poor in the middle of a lot of rich women.”
Monsieur Loisel: “How stupid you are!”
Part A: What does the conversation between Mathilde and her husband in paragraphs 12-29 reveal about the characters’ different points of view regarding the party?
The conversation illustrates that both characters are concerned about how the others will behave at the party.
The conversation shows the different ways each character believes the party will demonstrate their social status.
The conversation emphasizes the different opinions each character has of the Minister of Education and his wife.
The conversation highlights the different levels of experience each character has in attending parties thrown by society’s prominent members.
Part B: Which TWO quotations best support each character's point of view? Select one quotation for each character.
Mathilde: “What do you want me to do with this?”
Monsieur Loisel: “Everyone wants one; it’s very select, and very few go to clerks.”
Monsieur Loisel: “It looks nice, to me…”
Mathilde: “I don’t know exactly, but I think I could do it on four hundred francs.”
Mathilde: “...there’s nothing so humiliating as looking poor in the middle of a lot of rich women.”
10. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.
Part A
In “The Necklace,” how does Monsieur Loisel react to the party?
He is embarrassed by his wife’s plain clothing.
He despises the party and the people who attend it.
He becomes tired and bored with the party after a while.
He enjoys the party thoroughly and does not want to leave.
Part B
Which passage from the story best supports the answer to Part A?
“Why, I thought you’d be pleased, dear. You never go out and this would be an occasion for you, a great one! I had a lot of trouble getting it. Everyone wants an invitation: they’re in great demand and there are only a few reserved for the employees. All the officials will be there.”
The day of the party arrived. Madame Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest woman there—resplendent, graceful, beaming, and deliriously happy. All the men looked at her, asked who she was, and tried to get themselves introduced to her. All the minister’s aides wanted to waltz with her. The minister himself noticed her.
When she left the party, it was almost four in the morning. Her husband had been sleeping since midnight in a small, deserted sitting room, with three other gentlemen whose wives were having a wonderful time.
He brought her wraps so that they could leave and put them around her shoulders—the plain wraps from her everyday life whose shabbiness jarred with the elegance of her evening dress.
Part A: In “The Necklace,” how does Monsieur Loisel react to the party?
He is embarrassed by his wife’s plain clothing.
He despises the party and the people who attend it.
He becomes tired and bored with the party after a while.
He enjoys the party thoroughly and does not want to leave.
Part B: Which passage from the story best supports the answer to Part A?
“Why, I thought you’d be pleased, dear. You never go out and this would be an occasion for you, a great one! I had a lot of trouble getting it. Everyone wants an invitation: they’re in great demand and there are only a few reserved for the employees. All the officials will be there.”
The day of the party arrived. Madame Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest woman there—resplendent, graceful, beaming, and deliriously happy. All the men looked at her, asked who she was, and tried to get themselves introduced to her. All the minister’s aides wanted to waltz with her. The minister himself noticed her.
When she left the party, it was almost four in the morning. Her husband had been sleeping since midnight in a small, deserted sitting room, with three other gentlemen whose wives were having a wonderful time.
He brought her wraps so that they could leave and put them around her shoulders—the plain wraps from her everyday life whose shabbiness jarred with the elegance of her evening dress.
How does paragraph 96 contribute to the changing mood of the story?
From feeling jubilant at the party to utter torment over the necklace’s disappearance
From feeling intense sorrow at the party to immense grief over the loss of the necklace
From feeling great disappointment at the party to incredible joy over the necklace’s discovery
From feeling energetic at the party to extreme exhaustion that the necklace’s disappearance is not noticed
Part A
Based on Madame Loisel’s thoughts in paragraph 107, how does she feel regarding her experience with the necklace?
She feels the experience made her because she learned valuable lessons about hard work and sacrifice.
She feels the experience made her because it brought her closer to her husband.
She feels the experience broke her because she was finally hit with the reality of living in poverty.
She feels the experience broke her because it made her marriage fickle.
Part B
Which excerpt from “The Necklace” supports the answer to Part A?
“How would things have turned out if she hadn’t lost that necklace?”
“Who could tell?”
“How strange and fickle life is!”
“How little it takes to make or break you!”
Part A: Based on Madame Loisel’s thoughts in paragraph 107, how does she feel regarding her experience with the necklace?
She feels the experience made her because she learned valuable lessons about hard work and sacrifice.
She feels the experience made her because it brought her closer to her husband.
She feels the experience broke her because she was finally hit with the reality of living in poverty.
She feels the experience broke her because it made her marriage fickle.
Part A
In “The Necklace,” what is Madame Loisel’s attitude toward the sacrifices that she and her husband must make as they work to replace the necklace?
gracious and happy
angry and resentful
enthusiastic and eager
determined and courageous
Part B
Which excerpt from “The Necklace” supports the answer to Part A?
Unable to afford jewelry, she dressed simply: but she was as wretched as a déclassée, for women have neither caste nor breeding—in them beauty, grace, and charm replace pride of birth.
All these things that another woman of her class would not even have noticed, tormented her and made her angry. The very sight of the little Breton girl who cleaned for her awoke rueful thoughts and the wildest dreams in her mind.
She danced enraptured—carried away, intoxicated with pleasure, forgetting everything in this triumph of her beauty and the glory of her success, floating in a cloud of happiness formed by all this homage, all this admiration, all the desires she had stirred up—by this victory so complete and so sweet to the heart of a woman.
Madame Loisel came to know the awful life of the poverty-stricken. However, she resigned herself to it with unexpected fortitude. The crushing debt had to be paid. She would pay it.
Part A: In “The Necklace,” what is Madame Loisel’s attitude toward the sacrifices that she and her husband must make as they work to replace the necklace?
gracious and happy
angry and resentful
enthusiastic and eager
determined and courageous
Part B: Which excerpt from “The Necklace” supports the answer to Part A?
Unable to afford jewelry, she dressed simply: but she was as wretched as a déclassée, for women have neither caste nor breeding—in them beauty, grace, and charm replace pride of birth.
All these things that another woman of her class would not even have noticed, tormented her and made her angry. The very sight of the little Breton girl who cleaned for her awoke rueful thoughts and the wildest dreams in her mind.
She danced enraptured—carried away, intoxicated with pleasure, forgetting everything in this triumph of her beauty and the glory of her success, floating in a cloud of happiness formed by all this homage, all this admiration, all the desires she had stirred up—by this victory so complete and so sweet to the heart of a woman.
Madame Loisel came to know the awful life of the poverty-stricken. However, she resigned herself to it with unexpected fortitude. The crushing debt had to be paid. She would pay it.
