This is a fun and surprising story from your Class 10 English book Footprints Without Feet, in Chapter 7. It is by Guy de Maupassant. The story is about a girl who dreams big but learns a hard lesson. It has a big twist at the end that will make you say "Oh no!" I will tell it all in easy words, like sharing a secret with a friend. Let's go!
About the Author
Guy de Maupassant was born in 1850 in France and lived until 1893. He wrote many short stories that are quick and exciting, like a fast movie. His tales often end with a surprise that makes you think. He learned writing from a famous teacher named Flaubert. Maupassant saw poor people suffer in his time, so he wrote about rich and poor to show life's tricks. He wrote over 300 stories! People love him because his words feel real and simple.
What’s the Story About?
Imagine a pretty girl named Mathilde who lives in a small house with her husband. She is not rich, but she dreams of big parties, fancy clothes, and shiny jewels. Her home is plain, with old chairs and no pretty things. She cries because she wants more, like a queen's life.
One day, her husband gets a ticket to a big party at the minister's house. He is so happy, but Mathilde is sad – she has no nice dress! He gives her money for a new gown. At the party, she looks like a star in her dress. Everyone stares. She dances all night and feels like a princess.
But she needs jewelry to match. She remembers her rich friend Jeanne, who has a beautiful necklace. Mathilde asks to borrow it. Jeanne says yes happily. At the party, the necklace shines, and Mathilde is the happiest girl.
On the way home, oh no! The necklace is gone – lost in the dark streets. They look everywhere but can't find it. Her husband says they must buy a new one to give back. They find an exact match that costs 36,000 rupees – way more than they have! They borrow money from everywhere, even from moneylenders who charge extra.
Mathilde and her husband give the new necklace to Jeanne, who doesn't notice it's different. Now, they must pay back the debt. They sell their things, move to a tiny attic room, and work hard. Mathilde does dirty jobs like washing floors and bargaining in markets. Her husband works extra nights. They eat simple bread and live like poor folks for 10 long years. Mathilde's pretty hair turns gray, and her soft hands get rough.
After 10 years, the debt is paid. One day, Mathilde meets Jeanne on the street. Jeanne looks young and rich still. Mathilde tells her the sad story about the necklace. Jeanne gasps and says, "That necklace was fake! It was worth only 500 rupees!" The big surprise: All that hard work for nothing!
The story shows how one small dream can change a whole life. It is sad but teaches you to be happy with what you have.
Who’s Who in the Story
The story has just a few main people. They are like everyday folks you might know.
- Mathilde Loisel: The main girl. She is pretty but always unhappy because she wants a fancy life. She is dreamy and learns a tough lesson.
- Monsieur Loisel (Her Husband): A kind office worker who loves his wife. He gives up his dreams to help her and works extra to fix things.
- Madame Forestier (Jeanne): Mathilde's old school friend. She is rich and nice, with a big heart. She lends the necklace without thinking twice.
No big crowd – just these three who show how friends and family stick together (or surprise you!).
Themes and Moral
The story has easy big ideas that you can see in your own life:
- Be Happy with Little Things: Dreaming too big can bring trouble. Mathilde had a good home but wanted more, and it cost her years.
- Life's Funny Tricks: The end twist shows how things are not always what they seem. Hard work for a fake jewel – ouch!
- Kindness and Honesty: Friends like Jeanne are true, but hiding truth can make problems bigger.
Moral: Count your blessings. A simple life with love is better than chasing shiny dreams that break your back. Be honest early – it saves pain!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and lines from the story. I picked easy ones and explained them like chatting over tea. No big words – just fun meanings!
- Shabbily: In a poor or old way, like worn-out clothes. (Like your favorite shirt after many washes, looking tired.)
- Dowry: Money or gifts a bride's family gives when she marries. (Like a special box of things to start a new home.)
- Gown: A fancy long dress for parties. (Like a pretty frock that swishes when you twirl.)
- Debt: Money you owe someone that you must pay back. (Like borrowing a toy and promising to return it soon.)
- Bargaining: Talking to lower the price of something. (Like saying "Aunty, make it cheaper!" at the market.)
- Attic: A small room under the roof, often hot and dusty. (Like the top floor of your house where old boxes hide.)
- Fake: Not real, just pretend. (Like a toy ring that looks like gold but is just plastic.)
- Clerk: A simple office job, like writing papers all day. (Your uncle who sits at a desk with files.)
Phrases:
- Worn to a thread: Used so much it is almost gone. (Like a ball you kicked until it has holes.)
- In a rage: Very angry, like a storm. (Kicking the chair when you lose a game.)
- Paler than usual: Looking whiter and sadder. (Like after eating too many sweets and feeling sick.)
Try this: "Mathilde wore her gown and felt like a star, but the fake necklace changed everything." Say it out loud – it feels like the story! Read it again, and you will smile at the twist. You got this!