The Necklace Lesson Plan

“The Necklace” is one of Maupassant’s most popular stories. Why do you think it is popular?

Many students may point to the last line, “Oh, my poor Mathilde! But my necklace was a fake. It was worth no more than five hundred francs!” as the reason the story is so popular. This sudden turn of events brings both surprise (even shock) and understanding to the reader. Many readers enjoy this kind of twist. Other students may point to the relatability of the characters as part of the reason “The Necklace” is so popular. Students may relate to wanting more for themselves or desiring to live beyond their means. Students may feel pressured to have the right shoes or the right...