In exploring the concept of value, both "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant and "Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe reveal the complexities of materialism through their protagonists' perceptions of worth. Valuables transcend monetary worth; they encompass individual desires, societal perceptions, and psychological attachments. As the narratives unfold, both Mathilde Loisel and Jonathan Iwegbu confront their aspirations and the consequences of their relationship with material possessions, ultimately challenging the reader to reconsider what truly constitutes treasure.

Question

In "The Necklace," Mathilde Loisel embodies materialism through her longing for a life filled with luxury and status. She feels trapped in her middle-class existence, yearning for the elegance and wealth she believes defines happiness. Her discontent is vividly illustrated in the story when she laments, "She was unhappy because she had not been born with wealth." Her desire for status leads her to borrow what she believes to be an expensive necklace, believing it will elevate her social standing. The irony of the story is rooted in the necklace's true value; it is only later revealed to be a mere imitation. This twist serves as a critique of materialism, suggesting that the pursuit of superficial status can lead one to ruin. Mathilde's struggle culminates in years of hardship and servitude to repay the debt incurred from replacing the necklace, demonstrating how her misguided values brought about her downfall.

In contrast, Jonathan Iwegbu in "Civil Peace" emerges as a character who embodies resilience and pragmatism in the aftermath of Nigeria’s Civil War. His perspective on value differs markedly from Mathilde's, as he finds treasure in the simpler aspects of life. He utters, "Nothing puzzles God," reflecting his belief in the importance of what remains rather than what has been lost. Jonathan values his survival and the well-being of his family above material wealth, appreciating the ‘egg-rasher’ or the small profit he derives from salvaging what remained post-war. His ability to derive contentment from humble possessions highlights a stark contrast to Mathilde's aspirations, illustrating how circumstances can redefine value. Jonathan's setting—a war-torn Nigeria—further emphasizes the scarcity of material goods and leads to a deeper appreciation for life itself.

Throughout both stories, the authors utilize descriptions of settings and objects to deepen the thematic exploration of material worth. In "The Necklace," the opulent setting of the ball starkly contrasts with Mathilde's mundane life, illustrating her longing for luxury. Maupassant writes about the "glittering" ball, filled with "jewels and silks," epitomizing the objects of desire that Mathilde seeks. Conversely, in "Civil Peace," Achebe's description of Jonathan's meager possessions conveys a sense of gratitude for the everyday—his bicycle, which serves as both a means of transportation and a symbol of his industrious spirit, becomes a source of pride rather than shame.

In conclusion, "The Necklace" and "Civil Peace" provide rich narratives that explore the nature of value through the lens of materialism, revealing differing perspectives on what constitutes treasure. Mathilde Loisel's tragic pursuit of status serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of material obsession, while Jonathan Iwegbu's appreciation for simple survival highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Ultimately, these stories illustrate that true value lies not in the objects themselves, but in the relationships, experiences, and perspectives we cultivate around them. Through their journeys, readers are invited to reflect on their own definitions of treasure and the intrinsic worth of life’s simpler pleasures.

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Answer 1

In "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant and "Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe, we see how materialism can be complicated through the main characters' views on what is valuable. The idea of value goes beyond just money; it includes what people want, how society views things, and the emotional connections we have. Both Mathilde Loisel and Jonathan Iwegbu deal with their dreams and what happens because of their attitudes towards material possessions. Their stories encourage us to think about what really counts as treasure.

Mathilde Loisel in "The Necklace" represents materialism because she dreams of a glamorous life full of luxury. She feels stuck in her middle-class life and believes that being wealthy is the key to happiness. Her unhappiness is clear when she says, "She was unhappy because she had not been born with wealth." To try and change her situation, she borrows a fancy necklace, thinking it will improve her social status. The twist at the end reveals that the necklace is just a fake, which critiques the obsession with status and shows how chasing after superficial things can lead to disaster. Mathilde ends up facing years of hard work to pay off the debt for replacing the necklace, showing how her misguided values led to her downfall.

On the other hand, Jonathan Iwegbu in "Civil Peace" represents strength and practicality after Nigeria's Civil War. He sees value differently than Mathilde; he finds treasure in the simple parts of life. He says, "Nothing puzzles God," showing he believes it’s more important to appreciate what he has rather than focus on what he lost. Jonathan values his life and the safety of his family more than material things, finding happiness in small earnings he makes from whatever he salvaged after the war. His ability to be satisfied with less highlights a sharp contrast to Mathilde's desires, showing how different situations can change our sense of value. Jonathan’s environment, damaged by war, enhances his awareness of how precious life is.

Both authors use descriptions of their settings and belongings to deepen the exploration of what is considered valuable. In "The Necklace," the luxurious setting of the ball highlights Mathilde's wish for a more glamorous life. Maupassant describes the "glittering" event filled with "jewels and silks," symbolizing the things Mathilde desires. In contrast, in "Civil Peace," Achebe portrays Jonathan's few possessions with a sense of thankfulness for the little things—his bicycle stands out as a source of pride and shows his hardworking character, rather than being something to be ashamed of.

In summary, "The Necklace" and "Civil Peace" tell stories that explore materialism and how we view value, revealing different ideas about what treasure means. Mathilde's sad pursuit of status warns against the risks of being obsessed with material things, while Jonathan's appreciation for basic survival shows the strength of the human spirit. Ultimately, these stories teach us that true value is found not in the items themselves, but in the relationships, experiences, and attitudes we build around them. Through these journeys, readers are encouraged to think about their own views on treasure and the true worth of life's simple joys.