To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
Literature often serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of human nature, and one intriguing aspect is the transformative journey of characters. Guy de Maupassant, a master of short stories, exemplifies this in his work "The Jewelry," where the protagonist, M. Lantin, undergoes a series of profound emotional shifts. Through tragic events and unexpected revelations, Maupassant skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the depths of human experience, challenging the very fabric of Lantin's existence.
The tale commences with the narrator painting a picturesque scene of M.
Lantin's idyllic life, having fallen deeply in love and marrying the girl of his dreams. The initial paragraphs depict Lantin's profound adoration, emphasizing that even after six years of marriage, his love for his wife continues to intensify. However, subtle discontent arises due to her penchant for the theatre and her affection for imitation jewelry, a detail that becomes crucial as the plot unfolds.
Lantin's initial blissful existence is a testament to the power of love and companionship.
Verified writer
Proficient in: Change
4.7 (657)
“ Really polite, and a great writer! Task done as described and better, responded to all my questions promptly too! ”
The harmonious nature of his marriage shields him from the harsh realities of life, creating a utopian bubble that bursts with unexpected tragedy.
Tragedy strikes with the sudden death of Lantin's wife, plunging him from a carefree existence into the depths of despair. The narrative vividly portrays his anguish, stating, "His despair was so frightful that in one single month his hair turned white." Lantin's mourning is all-encompassing, and he finds solace only in preserving the memory of his late wife, maintaining her untouched room as a shrine to their lost happiness.
Financial hardship compounds his woes as he spirals into debt.
Maupassant skillfully uses symbolism to convey Lantin's descent into darkness. The transformation of his once vibrant hair into a ghostly white serves as a visible representation of the internal torment and grief that consumes him.
The turning point arrives when Lantin decides to sell his late wife's jewelry to alleviate his financial struggles. To his astonishment, he discovers that the seemingly worthless pearls are genuine and valuable. This revelation propels him into a state of bewilderment as he grapples with the mystery of how his wife acquired such expensive jewelry. Maupassant skillfully captures Lantin's mental turmoil with phrases such as, "He tried to reason, to understand. His wife could never have bought so valuable an object as that."
Lantin's confusion deepens, raising questions about the source of the wealth that funded his late wife's jewelry collection. This narrative twist adds layers to the story, transforming it from a tale of grief into a mystery that captivates both Lantin and the reader.
Lantin's mood undergoes a seismic shift as he decides to sell all of his late wife's jewelry, amassing a considerable fortune. The once grief-stricken widower is now consumed by ecstasy and excitement. Desperate to share his newfound wealth, Lantin yearns to proclaim his riches to the world, as illustrated by the text, "yell out to the passers-by 'I am rich, too-I am! I have 200,000 francs!'"
His jubilation leads to impulsive decisions, such as quitting his job and indulging in opulent experiences. This section of the narrative showcases Maupassant's ability to navigate the complexities of human emotion, highlighting the intoxicating allure of wealth and its transformative impact on an individual.
However, the story concludes on a poignant note as Lantin's euphoria gives way to a new form of misery. Six months after his windfall, he hastily marries a woman with a terrible temper. The once wealthy and jubilant Lantin now finds himself ensnared in a tumultuous marriage that contrasts sharply with the happiness he once knew. Maupassant's narrative arc completes with a twist of fate, leaving readers to contemplate the unpredictable nature of life.
As we reflect on Lantin's journey, it becomes evident that Maupassant's storytelling transcends the boundaries of a mere plot. The narrative acts as a profound exploration of the human psyche, revealing the fragility of emotions and the capricious nature of fate.
Guy de Maupassant's "The Jewelry" stands as a compelling exploration of human emotions and the transformative power of unforeseen events. Through the character of M. Lantin, Maupassant navigates the spectrum of joy, sorrow, bewilderment, and ultimately, a bitter irony. This carefully crafted narrative not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the fragility of happiness and the unpredictable twists that life may present.
The Jewelry's Emotional Odyssey: Lantin's Transformative Tale. (2016, Apr 23). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/character-change-in-the-jewelry-essay
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
