Guy de Maupassant's short story “The Necklace” is about a woman who longs for another life that seems a world away. She has a loving husband and a comfortable home, but she doesn't appreciate what she has because of her desire to be rich. The irony is that in trying to access this world she weaves a web of destruction that leads to a life far worse than the one she already has. Maupassant's “The Necklace” describes how envy, greed and dishonesty lead to destruction in the life of protagonist Mathilde Loisel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Envy is the first element that leads to destruction in Mathilde Loisel's life. He is in constant conflict with what he believes he is entitled to and what he already has. Mathilde was born into a modest family that did not offer her the social status she believed she was destined to be a part of. Although she was a beautiful and charming woman capable of marrying far above her, she marries a man of her own social class. She was a materialistic woman and so her choice of husband left her unhappy and longing for something more. She spent her days dreaming of an elaborate home, elegant jewelry, and sumptuous clothing. She was envious of the lifestyle that comes with a higher social class status. “He had no clothes, no jewelry, nothing. And these were the only things he loved; she felt she was made for them” (De Maupassant). Mathilde is unable to see what is already present in her life due to the desire for these material objects. Her husband is a grateful man satisfied with simple meals like Scottish broth. It provides a modest home and security for the two of them. It is her envy of this other life that leads her to greed and dishonesty. The author describes Mahtilde's character as greedy and greed is another element of this story that leads to the destruction of Mahtilde's life. When her husband is invited to a prestigious party, he believes his wife will be thrilled. However, she is not satisfied but is upset because she doesn't have a dress that she finds suitable for the event. She looks at her husband and asks him "And what do you want me to put on my shoulders (De Maupassant)?" Her husband gives her the money he had been saving for a gun, only to find her distraught that she has no satisfactory jewelry for the occasion. It is greed that motivates Mahtilde to borrow a necklace from her rich friend Madame Forestier. She chooses an elaborate piece of jewelry that she perceives as expensive. After an evening spent living the illusion of her dream, she discovers that she has lost the necklace. Her greed has left her and her husband responsible for a jewel they can't afford to replace. This realization leads to the third element of destruction. Dishonesty is the third element that contributes to the destruction of Mahtilde's life. Afterwards Mahtilde spends a wonderful evening at the party; he discovers that he has lost the necklace. Her husband creates a plan to replace the necklace and she follows the plan. She dishonestly returns the replacement necklace without telling her friend that it is not the original necklace. Mahtilde and her husband grow old before their time to repay the debt needed to replace the necklace. Ironically, if only she had been honest about her mistake, she would have realized that Madame Loisel's necklace was an imitation worth a fraction of what she paid for the replacement. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Envy, greed, and dishonesty are all elements used by this author to portray the downfall of a woman who desperately wants a life different from her own. Mahtilde had her beauty,.