One of the most common literary terms taught is irony. In the short story "The Necklace", irony is the main focus of the work. It is not until the very last line when Mme. Loisel finds out that the necklace is fake does the reader learn the intent of the story. Mme. Loisel goes into debt for ten years, just to replace a necklace that, in the end, was almost worthless.
Situational Irony is when actions or events have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, or where the outcome is contrary to expectations.
The plot of "The Necklace" has situational irony because after replacing her friend's expensive-looking necklace, and working for ten years to pay off the debt, Mme. Loisel finds out it was fake!
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting the types of irony used in "The Necklace."
After reading the story, encourage the students to discuss what they learned from the mistakes of Madame Loisel. Ask them to explore what the author wanted the audience to understand in the story and talk about moral values in a materialistic society.
The narrative includes the quest for materialism and social prestige as a major subject. Examine how Madame Loisel's ambition to be of a better social class affects her life and the storyline. Talk about how materialism today is different from materialism in the 1880s and how much the story differs from reality.
Think about the effects that the characters' decisions have. The choice to borrow the jewelry and Madame Loisel's actions have important consequences. Talk about the consequences of actions in general and how we should be careful while making important decisions.
Another issue that is examined in "The Necklace" is appearance vs. reality. Describe how this concept is integrated throughout the story and how the genuine value of the necklace differs from its apparent value.
The use of irony is essential to "The Necklace." Consider the irony of Madame Loisel's quest for prominence and the shocking conclusion. What role does irony play in the themes of the story?
After discussing all the themes in the story, encourage the students to make theme charts based on the story. Teachers can divide the class into groups and assign each group a different theme from the story. The group can use any form of art to represent that particular theme on the chart.
The situational irony in "The Necklace" draws attention to the issue of outward appearances against the truth. Tragic repercussions result from Madame Loisel's mistaken belief that the necklace is precious and her acts that transpired.
Situational irony may be shown in "The Necklace" in Madame Loisel thinking she is wearing an elegant necklace to the ball while in reality, it is a fake. Another illustration is her ten-year attempt to replace the jewelry only to find it to be worthless. Students can reflect on the point that the value of objects is only created by human beings as no one was able to recognize the difference between the real and the fake but everyone believed Madame Loisel as she was confident.