Back to list|The Necklace
Short Story Reading Guide

The Necklace

by Guy de Maupassant

Est. Time
45-60 mins
Level
B1
Themes
Pride, Greed, Appearance vs Reality

1
Quick Reading Guide

Warm Up
Values: What would you do to "look rich"?
Reading
Cause & Effect Chain: Map one choice to one consequence.
Evidence
Trial: Mathilde Guilty or Innocent? (Debate).
Discussion
Who is responsible? Mathilde, her husband, or society?

2
Scaffolds for Support

Sentence Starters
  • "Mathilde is unhappy because..."
  • "She borrows the necklace to..."
  • "The twist at the end shows that..."

3
Vocabulary & Grammar

Key Words
elegantmiserableborrowjewelrydebtdismisstoildespairvanitybargain
Grammar Focus

Narrative Time Jumps (Compression of 10 years)

4
Writing Task

The Phone Call

Write a phone call dialogue where Mathilde confesses to her friend *before* the 10 years of labor.

Rubric Checklist
  • Include 2 apology sentences
  • Show friend's reaction