Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard a Look at Two...

On the surface there appear to be many similarities between the character traits of Mathilde Loisel in Guy de Maupassant’s â€Å"The Necklace† and Louise Mallard in Kate Chopin’s â€Å"The Story of an Hour,† however; there are subtle differences between the two women. Both of these protagonists struggle with their fate, are self-centered, and lack empathy. Their lives are destined to end in their own tragic ways based on their individual character flaws. Both of these stories focus on women who struggle with their lifestyle conditions. Mrs. Loisel cannot bear her middle-class lifestyle, instead desiring â€Å"to please, to be envied, to be charming, to be sought after† (Maupassant 60). As well as desiring these intangible things, she also†¦show more content†¦Both women dream of what they do not have, ultimately causing them lose everything, Mrs. Loisel her middle-class station and Mrs. Mallard her life. Their unique fates are based on their own variation on their individual character traits. Chopin, Kate. â€Å"The Story of an Hour.† Literature: A Portable Anthology. Ed. Janet E. Gardner, et al. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009. 66-68. Maupassant, Guy. â€Å"The Necklace.† Literature: A Portable Anthology. Ed. Janet E. Gardner, et al. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009.Show MoreRelatedTheme Comparison3403 Words   |  14 Pagesdifferent. The two women, Madame Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard, portrayed in these literary works are protagonists who have trouble because of conflicting expectations imposed on them by society. Both Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard want something more than what their lifestyle offers them. During the time when the authors wrote these pieces, the social behaviors showed gender suppression/oppression. This essay will compare and contrast elements of content, form, and style between two differentRead MoreThe Necklace and Story of an Hour; a Comparison Essay2800 Words   |  12 Pageslittle in common. Chopin’s story, as displayed in its title is quite short; while in comparison, de Maupassant tells a much more detailed account of the beleaguered Loiselà ¢â‚¬â„¢s, who must learn from the self-centred Madam Loisel. With de Maupassant’s depiction of his female protagonist as selfish and ungrateful; it is difficult to fathom Chopin, known for her active role in describing womans oppression in the nineteenth century. Interestingly, Chopin, a realist, did consider de Maupassant to be oneRead MoreThe Story of an Hour and the Necklace Essay2858 Words   |  12 PagesHour† portray two different but alike women, who refuse to accept their destiny and deny the life of women of their class. They are both lost, looking to be saved and they find themselves in big trouble, when they think they have finally succeeded in their search. Nature plays a major role in both lives. They both struggle to find their independence and the ending of their stories end up being triumphant, tragic and ironic. â€Å"The Necklace† weaves a tale about Madame Loisel who has always