What is Mme. Loisel’s “station” in life? Why is this important? What does Mme. Loisel want? Why is that important?
a) She was born very beautiful and believes that she is in a lower than she’s supposed to be in and deserves all of the finer things in life. Her only desire is to live an extravagant life style to be spoiled by all the finer things in life and to be desired by many. Prior to the events of the story she lived a modest life, but wasn’t poor. Born to a family of clerks means that most of her family work in banks, do office work, and things that are generally considered white collar jobs today the story even mentions that she has a maid working for her. Yet despite all of this she can’t even be satisfied or content with what she has. Because of this and the fact her husband works so hard to please her it allows for the story to unfold the way it does.
Which of these seven vices does Mme. Loisel display? (lust, envy, sloth, pride, greed, gluttony, anger) Is Mme. Loisel being punished for any of these vices? Why?
a) That’s exactly how I thought about it Alexander. The story mentions that she has maid. I tell you what, I don’t have a maid so they must have been doing pretty good. Unfortunately there are people that have a hard time seeing what they do have in front of them but don’t appreciate it and always wants more thinking that will make them happy. Because of her selfishness not only did she have a hard next ten years of life but her husband had to be a part of it because of her. So as anyone can see that being this type of person not only affects oneself but others around them and usually hurts the ones closest to them as well. That is one lesson she learned the hard way.
How does Mme. Loisel adapt to working life? Has she learned anything?
a) Mme. Loisel did sacrifice her beauty over those 10 long years, especially when her friend didn’t even recognize her. She could have avoided the grueling 10 years by telling the truth but what would she get out of it in the long run? She is still in the middle class but her conscious is clear and that seems to mean more to her than being rich. It is almost like a Cinderella story without the happy ending of the poverty that Mme. Loisel endures. You made great points and addressed the issues with specific detail. I would have liked the story to continue as well to see the outcome of Mme. Loisel’s reaction to the truth about the necklace.
What symbols of wealth and station could be used in a story like this if it were written today?
a) If this story were written today I think that a symbol of status could be something such as a boat, a luxury vehicle, vacation properties, or even a diamond ring. Often we can look at people in our community and guess what level of wealth or poverty they live at. Things like brand name clothes and accessories, vehicle types or number of vehicles, and the condition and neighborhood of their home. When I think of something of value that I have borrowed from my friends that would be difficult for me to replace I can only think of vehicles. In my life at least, I don’t feel the pressure to impress others with my class level in society so that may be why nothing else comes to mind right now.
How does Mme. Loisel conduct herself at the ball? How is her conduct different than it “ought” to be?
a) At the ball, Mme. Loisel embraces the attention given to her even though she is masquerading. She convinced her husband to spend money they really couldn’t afford to spend, so that she could enjoy one evening. While that alone was selfish, she still wanted more and didn’t take care of what she thought was an expensive necklace. Acting graciously and accompanying her husband rather than abandoning him at the party, as well as humbling herself in the presence of the more established and rich people may have been a more appropriate behavior. Beautiful though that her husband never wavered in his love for her in the story, he did what needed to be done, first when she wanted the dress and then again when she lost the necklace and they replaced it.
How are Mme. Loisel and Mme. Forestier different?
a) Mme. Loisel and Mme. Forestier seem very, very different. First and foremost, they differ in social class. The Loisel’s are common folk and live comfortably, but not lavishly. The Forestier’s, on the other hand, seem to be people of some status and can afford to surround themselves with nicer belongings. With this observation, I drew the conclusion that Mme. Forestier is probably much less displeased with her life and might not possess the same amount of vice’s that Mme. Loisel might. For instance, at the end of the story, it is revealed that the necklace was a fake diamond. While Mme. Forestier still valued the necklace, even though it was an imitation, I don’t believe that Mme. Loisel would have behaved the same way. This is why, in my opinion, she didn’t even consider looking for an imitation necklace to replace the missing one in the first place.
Do we use anecdotes like “The Necklace” to point out moral lessons today? What other examples of this can you think of?
a) I think the morals are be similar. One is about an object defining who you are and the more about personal pride but between the two not being grateful for what they have or are ended in consequences. I think we definitely use anecdotes and stories about moral lessons today especially in a teacher/student settings or parent/child settings. Being thankful, grateful are lessons that seem to be difficult in this day in age because wealth and money is pushed to be such an important thing; “To be successful you must be rich” a lot would say but it all comes down to what you define is successful. A small saying that is commonly used is “The grass is always greener on the other side” and although this quote can be helpful to some depending on when and how it is said it also leaves a lacking being grateful for what they have.
Mme. Loisel’s “station” Assignment Paper
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