As they walk down the dark streets, they eventually spot a brougham-a horse-drawn carriage-in the shadows, hiring it to return them to their home. They try to call a cab but are unable to find one. She flees from the building so none of the fur-clad wives can see her as she really is. The couple prepares to leave, but as Loisel places Mathilde’s wrap on her shoulders, she is reminded of her poverty and shame, breaking the spell the evening had cast over her. She finds Loisel sleeping in a sitting room alongside several other men whose wives were swept away in the glorious event. By four o’clock in the morning, she is finally ready to leave. She is beautiful and charming and gains the attention of many men, including the minister. The night of the ball arrives, and Mathilde is a success in society.
Mathilde hugs her friend and returns home. Mathilde cautiously asks to borrow it, and Madame Forestier agrees without hesitation. She puts it on and immediately desires it. As she continues to look, she sees a box with black satin that contains a stunning diamond necklace. Mathilde digs through the items Madame Forestier proffers, but she does not find anything that grabs her attention. Delighted with this idea, Mathilde visits her the next day, and Madame Forestier happily agrees to lend her what she needs. Loisel then suggests she go to her long-time friend Madame Forestier to borrow jewelry. Loisel suggests she buy some fresh flowers instead, but she refuses, claiming that she would feel humiliated. Although startled at the sum, Loisel agrees to give her the money he has set aside for a new hunting rifle.Īs the ball approaches, Mathilde is once again weighed down with sadness, this time because of her lack of jewelry. Loisel asks how much money it would cost for Mathilde to buy a suitable dress, and she says that 400 francs would do. She tells Loisel to give the invitation to someone whose wife can dress for it.
As Loisel shows her the invitation, Mathilde becomes sad, claiming that she has no clothes appropriate for the event. One evening, Loisel returns home from work at the Ministry of Education with an invitation to an exclusive reception hosted by the minister and his wife. While sitting down with her husband to a dinner of ordinary stew-a meal that brings contentment and satisfaction to Monsieur Loisel-Mathilde is swept away by the image of elegant and extravagant dinner parties: She pictures beautiful tapestries depicting knights and their ladies and exotic birds as well as fine china and delicious food like trout and grouse.ĭay after day, Mathilde pines for an existence she cannot afford but feels destined to.
She constantly longs for fine furnishings and décor, luxurious clothes, and expensive jewelry. The story begins with a description of Mathilde Loisel, a Frenchwoman born into the lower class but gripped by dreams of being part of the wealthy elite.
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