The Necklace Quotes

“The Necklace” is a short story written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884. It tells the story of Mathilde Loisel, a middle-class woman who dreams of a life of luxury and wealth. The story explores themes of materialism and the consequences of pride and envy.

Throughout the story, there are several quotes that capture the essence of the characters and the underlying messages. One of the most memorable quotes is when Mathilde confesses, “I have no dress and therefore cannot go to this ball. Give your invitation to some colleague whose wife is better equipped than I.” This quote reveals Mathilde’s dissatisfaction with her social status and her desire to be part of the upper class.

Another powerful quote comes from Mathilde’s husband, Monsieur Loisel, who says, “You know, we could buy a gun and end it all!” This quote reflects the desperation and frustration that both characters feel as they struggle to repay the debt incurred from replacing the lost necklace. It underscores the tragic consequences of their obsession with appearances and material possessions.

In conclusion, “The Necklace” offers profound insights into human nature, ambition, and the consequences of envy and pride. The quotes from the story serve as poignant reminders of the dangers of materialism and the importance of appreciating what one has. Through the powerful writing of Guy de Maupassant, readers are left contemplating the true value of wealth and the cost of chasing superficial desires.

Famous Quotes from “The Necklace” Novel

“I don’t have anything to wear!” – Mathilde’s constant refrain throughout the story, highlighting her obsession with appearances and her discontent with her own life.

“She was simple now, for she could no longer be adorned; but she was unhappy as if she had just lost something.” – This quote reveals Mathilde’s regret and dissatisfaction after losing the borrowed necklace.

“How little is needed for one to be ruined or saved.” – A reflection on the power of material possessions and the potential consequences of one’s actions.

“For ten francs you could get two or three magnificent roses.” – This quote conveys Mathilde’s longing for the luxurious lifestyle she desires, even though she cannot afford it.

“And the great catastrophe in her life was that the beauty she craved was essentially the essence of the life she destroyed.” – A realization of the true cost of Mathilde’s desire for wealth and beauty.

Inspirational Quotes

• “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
• “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
• “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
• “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
• “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
• “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Quotes about Society

In this quote, the speaker is highlighting the importance of individual character and values rather than social connections or status. It suggests that one’s worth should be determined by their personal qualities and actions rather than their associations with influential people.

“Society is like a ship, everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.” – Henrik Ibsen

This quote from Henrik Ibsen emphasizes the idea that every individual has a responsibility in shaping society. It implies that each person should actively participate in making a positive impact and taking charge of their own destiny.

“The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.” – Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter brings attention to the importance of a society’s treatment of its most vulnerable members. This quote suggests that a compassionate and caring society can be judged by how it supports and uplifts those who are in need of help.

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek Proverb

This Greek proverb highlights the concept of intergenerational responsibility and the long-term vision necessary for the betterment of society. It suggests that individuals should contribute to the well-being of future generations, even if they may not directly benefit from their efforts.

“The greatness of a society and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi’s quote draws attention to the ethical treatment of animals as a reflection of a society’s moral values. It suggests that a compassionate and just society extends its care and respect to all living beings.

Quotes on Social Status

“Wealth and social status are fleeting, but character and integrity are the true measures of a person.”

“In a world obsessed with social status, sometimes the most important individuals are the ones who quietly go about their business, making a difference without seeking recognition.”

“How much money and possessions we have should never define our worth as individuals. It’s our actions and treatment of others that truly matter.”

“Rise above the labels and judgments that society places on us. Our worth is not determined by our social status, but by the kindness and compassion we show to others.”

Quotes about Appearance

• “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
• “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” – Coco Chanel
• “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.” – Marilyn Monroe
• “You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.” – Amy Bloom
• “Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.” – Sophia Loren
• “Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” – Gianni Versace
• “True beauty is not about how you look, it’s about how you make others feel.”
• “Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.” – Allen Klein
• “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” – Kahlil Gibran
• “The most beautiful makeup for a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.” – Yves Saint Laurent

Quotes on Ambition

“A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement.” – Bo Bennett

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Ambition is enthusiasm with a purpose.” – Frank Tyger

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.” – Elvis Presley

“Ambition is the first step to success. The second step is action.”

“I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.” – Venus Williams

Quotes about Materialism

2. “The things you own end up owning you.” – Chuck Palahniuk

3. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” – Bible, 1 Timothy 6:10

4. “The things you own, end up owning you.” – Tyler Durden (Fight Club)

5. “Materialism is the only form of distraction from true bliss.” – Douglas Horton

6. “We buy things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t like.” – Dave Ramsey

7. “The desire of excessive acquisition of wealth is not only foolish, but it is avaricious.” – Seneca

• 8. “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• 9. “Materialism is the shallow understanding of yourself and the world. Spiritual awakening is the deep realization of yourself and the world.” – Deepak Chopra
• 10. “I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money.” – Pablo Picasso

Quotes on Happiness

Quotes about Life Lessons

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” – Oliver Goldsmith

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned in life is that you can’t control everything. Sometimes you just have to let go and see what happens.”

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” – Morrie Schwartz

“Life is about making an impact, not making an income.” – Kevin Kruse

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson