The short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is about a woman who longs for another life which seems to be a world apart. She has a loving husband and a comfortable home, but doesn't appreciate what she has because of her desire to become rich. The irony is that in an attempt to access this world, she weaves a web of destruction that takes her 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 the main character Mathilde Loisel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get the original essayEnvy is the first element that leads to destruction in Mathilde Loisel's life. She is constantly in conflict between what she believes she is entitled to and what she already has. Mathilde was born into a modest family which did not offer her the social status to which she thought she was destined. Even though she was a beautiful and charming woman, capable of marrying well above her, she married a man belonging to her own social class. She was a materialistic woman and as a result, her choice of husband left her unhappy and wanting more. She spent her days dreaming of an elaborate home, elegant jewelry, and lavish dresses. She envied the lifestyle associated with higher social standing. “She had no clothes, no jewelry, nothing. And those were the only things she loved; she felt made for them” (De Maupassant). Mathilde fails to see what is already present in her life because of her desire for these material objects. Her husband is a grateful man who makes do with simple meals like Scottish broth. He offers them a modest home and security. It is her desire for this other life that leads her to greed and dishonesty. The author describes Mahtilde's character as greedy and greed is another element in this short story that leads to the destruction of Mahtilde's life. When her husband is invited to a prestigious party, he thinks his wife will be excited. However, she is not satisfied but is upset that she does not 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 blame (De Maupassant)?” Her husband gives her the money he had saved for a gun, only to find her upset at not having 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 considers expensive. After an evening of 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 piece of jewelry they cannot 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 has a wonderful evening at the party; she discovers that she has lost the necklace. Her husband creates a plan to replace the necklace and she agrees to the plan. She dishonestly returns the replacement necklace without telling her friend that it is not the original necklace. Mahtilde and her husband work long before their time to repay the debt necessary 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. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayEnvy, greed, and dishonesty are all elements.