The Irony of the Necklace

During the course of Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Necklace," the main character, Matilda Loisel, makes a number of ironic discoveries. In addition, there are other discoveries that the reader makes but Matilda does not. The discovery that forms the story's climax concerns the true nature of the necklace she has borrowed from her friend Mrs. Forestier. However, this is perhaps not the most important lesson of this story. As the story opens, Matilda, …

…those rare human beings capable of enjoying life?s finer pleasures. She had all the feminine virtues: beauty, grace, charm, an inborn finesse, and an engaging personality. She yearns to use these talents, if only she could have her chance. She finally does get the chance when she go to the Ministry of Education Ball. For this one night of glory, she have taken away her own bare middle-class life and plunges her into poverty.