The Necklace

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Why is the setting of “The Necklace” in 19th century France significant?

A) It illuminates social class struggles prevalent at the time.

B) It takes place during a period of dramatic economic change.

C) It reveals the greed of the lower classes.

D) It demonstrates the indifference of the upper classes.

2. How are Mathilde and her husband different?

A) Mathilde is reserved, but her husband is outgoing.

B) Mathilde enjoys quiet evenings, but her husband likes to throw parties.

C) Mathilde longs for wealth, but her husband is content with their status.

D) Mathilde has boundless energy, but her husband is lethargic.

3. Which of the following most develops the theme of The Harm of Dissatisfaction?

A) Mathilde walking on Les Champs-Elysées

B) Mathilde daydreaming at dinner

C) Mathilde dancing at the party

D) Mathilde going to the theater

4. Which of the following best characterizes Madame Forestier?

A) Strong, comforting, kind

B) Wealthy, generous, confident

C) Uncertain, timid, soft-spoken

D) Beloved by all, funny, yet unhappy

5. When her husband first shows her the invitation to the party, how does Mathilde react?

A) Excited and enthralled, throwing her arms around him and clapping

B) Hesitant and questioning, unsure how to interact with so many people

C) Frustrated and unhappy, exclaiming she has nothing to wear

D) Indifferent and unbothered, quickly turning to continue reading

6. Who is a dynamic character in “The Necklace?”

A) Mathilde Loisel

B) Monsieur Loisel

C) The Minister of Education

D) Madame Forestier

7. Which of the following is a cause of Mathilde owing money?

A) Her husband losing his job

B) Her friend’s greed

C) The Loisels moving homes

D) Her own pride

8. Which quotation provides an example of imagery?

A) “If she had detected the substitution, what would she have thought? What would she have said? Would she have taken her friend for a thief?”

B) “...of whispered gallantries listened to with an inscrutable smile as one ate the pink flesh of a trout or the wings of a quail”

C) “...a rich friend, a former schoolmate at the convent, whom she no longer wanted to visit…”

D) “The day of the party arrived. Madame Loisel was a success.”

9. How does the setting of the party in January affect the story?

A) The fresh snow creates a sense of opportunity the day after the party, providing at least some hope.

B) The cold of winter highlights Mathilde’s feelings transitioning from the elation of the party to the horror of losing the necklace.

C) The early darkness especially affects Mathilde and her husband, as they are forced to leave the party early.

D) The unusually warm winter day offers a chance for Mathilde to wear her gown without any wrap or coat over it.

10. What literary device does the ending of the story use?

"Oh, my poor Mathilde! Mine was an imitation! It was worth five hundred

francs at most!"

A) Metaphor

B) Imagery

C) Symbolism

D) Irony

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What can the reader infer about the reasons why Mathilde chooses to borrow that specific necklace from Madame Forestier?

2. How does Mathilde manage the 10 years of arduous work to pay off her debts?