Characterization in The Necklace

At the beginning of “The Necklace,” what is the main cause of Madame Loisel’s constant unhappiness?

• her turbulent marriage

• her desperate longing to be wealthy

• her weakness and failing health

• her loneliness and isolation

What literary technique is used in the following passage from “The Necklace”?

Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, she tossed the invitation on the table and muttered, annoyed: “What do you expect me to do with that?”

• irony

• flashback

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

From her thoughts, speeches, and behavior, we can conclude that Madame Loisel admires a society that values, above all,

• a work ethic.

• money and possessions.

• family and friends.

• creativity and the arts.

Based on the life that Madame Loisel craves, what can you conclude about her character?

• She wants to help those less fortunate.

• She cares most about her relationships.

• She is realistic and sincere.

• She is self-centered and materialistic.

What can you conclude about the personality of Madame Loisel’s husband, based on his treatment of her?

• He is patient and tolerant, and he cares a great deal about his wife’s happiness.

• He is impatient and has grown tired of listening to his wife’s complaints.

• He is petty and cares too much about trifles.

• He is pleasure-loving and enjoys accompanying his wife to fancy receptions.

Which quotation best reveals Monsieur Loisel’s attitude toward his wife?

• “What’s the matter? You’ve really been very strange these last few days.”

• “Wait—you silly thing!”

• “I’ll give you four hundred francs. But try to get something really nice.”

• “You must write to your friend,” he said, “and tell her that you’ve broken the clasp of the necklace and that you’re getting it mended.”

Why does Madame Loisel feel “anguish” when she asks to borrow the necklace?

• She is humiliated at having to borrow the necklace.

• She dreads going to the reception

• She lacks confidence in her beauty.

• Madame Forestier gives her too many pieces to choose from.

What best characterizes Madame Loisel’s friendship with Madame Forestier?

• They are old school friends who lead very similar lives.

• They enjoy each other’s company and spend a lot of time shopping together

• Madame Loisel pities Madame Forestier for the shallow life she leads.

• Madame Loisel envies Madame Forestier and finds it difficult to visit her.

What is an effect that results from Madame Loisel’s loss of the necklace?

• Monsieur Loisel loses his job with the Ministry of Education

• Madame Loisel leaves her husband and returns to her parents

• The Loisels move from the city to the countryside

• Her husband gives up all his inheritance from his father.

What does this passage suggest about Madame Loisel?

Madame Loisel came to know the awful life of the poverty-stricken. However, she resigned herself to it with unexpected fortitude. The crushing debt had to be paid. She would pay it.

• She remains consistently selfish and self-centered

• She is capable of great strength of character.

• She is terrified by the enormity of their debt.

• She is grateful to her husband and regrets the way she has treated him in the past.