In Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Necklace," Mathilde Loisel is portrayed as a character who yearns for a life of luxury and sophistication, which reflects her deep-seated feelings of discontent with her social status and mundane existence. There are several reasons why Mathilde cares so deeply for luxuries and fine living:
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Desire for Status: Mathilde dreams of a life that is wealthy and glamorous, which she believes will bring her happiness and fulfillment. Her obsession with luxury stems from a longing for social acceptance and validation, as she feels that her modest means do not provide her with the status she desires.
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Discontent with Reality: Mathilde's dissatisfaction with her life as a middle-class housewife leads her to fantasize about wealth and high society. She feels that she deserves more than what she has, leading to a sense of entitlement that fuels her longing for luxuries.
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Influence of Society: The norms and values of the society in which she lives place a high premium on appearances and material possessions. Mathilde is heavily influenced by these societal expectations, believing that outer beauty and material wealth equate to happiness and success.
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Materialism: Mathilde's character embodies a materialistic worldview, where she equates happiness with the possession of beautiful things. This desire for material goods ultimately blinds her to the deeper joys of life, such as love and contentment with what she has.
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Fear of Inadequacy: Mathilde feels inadequate and fearful of being judged by those who are wealthier than herself. Her obsession with luxuries is partly driven by a need to prove her worthiness and elevate her self-esteem in a society that often values individuals based on their material wealth.
Throughout the story, Mathilde's fixation on luxuries leads to her downfall, as her desire for a lavish lifestyle ultimately results in her suffering and hardship. Maupassant uses her character to critique the superficiality of societal values and the pursuit of materialism at the expense of genuine happiness and contentment.
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