Recall what you have learned about different genres, or types, of narratives and how to analyze a narrative. Then choose ONE short story you read for this course. State the author’s purpose for writing the story (to inform or explain, to describe, to persuade, or to entertain) and summarize the main idea. Briefly discuss the techniques the author used (such as figurative language or metaphor). Evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in achieving the author’s purpose.
Throughout the course, I have learned about several genres of narratives, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. I have also learned about different techniques used in analyzing a narrative, including identifying the author's purpose, summarizing the main idea, and examining the use of literary elements such as figurative language or metaphors.
For this assignment, I choose the short story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant. The author's purpose for writing this story is to entertain the readers. "The Necklace" tells the story of Madame Mathilde Loisel, a middle-class woman who desires to be part of the upper class. When she borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a prestigious event, she loses it, leading to significant consequences in her life.
The author effectively uses several techniques, such as irony and symbolism, to convey the main idea of the story. One prominent technique is irony, which is evident in the twist ending where it is revealed that the necklace was actually a fake. This irony emphasizes the theme of appearances versus reality and the consequences of being obsessed with material possessions. Additionally, the necklace itself serves as a symbol of the main character's desire for wealth and social status, and the loss of it symbolizes the consequences of her actions.
Overall, the author's use of irony and symbolism effectively supports his purpose of entertaining the readers. By presenting a captivating story with a surprising twist, Maupassant engages the readers and prompts them to reflect on the themes presented. The use of figurative language and metaphors, such as the necklace representing wealth and status, adds depth to the narrative and enhances the overall reading experience. Hence, I believe the author successfully achieved his purpose of entertaining the audience through the effective use of these techniques.