Stronger Case Antigone Or Creon Philosophy Essay

Stronger Case Antigone Or Creon Philosophy Essay At the centre of The Burial at Thebes is the contest between the belief that the gods should form the basis of moral behaviour in the state, presented by Antigone and Creons case that the king can define what is correct behaviour. I shall go through the text and pick out passages that are relevant to the cases presented. My conclusion will be based on which case has the most support throughout the text, remains the most consistent and also the desire of the protagonists to see their views through to the end. Antigone presents her case during the plays prologue. She believes Creons general order forbidding the burial of Polyneices is morally wrong and states clearly that she is going to bury his body (Heaney, 2004, p5Â  [1]Â  ). It is important to note that women played a central role in the religious conventions of funeral rites and practices (Hardwirck, 2008, p195), and these events contrasted with the usual exclusion of women from Greek public life. This issue is raised by Ismene who describers herself and Antigone as two women on our own who we must do as were told (p5). It is made clear in this passage that Antigone knows she will be sentenced to death for defying Creon, something she has not intention of covering up. For Antigone burying her brother is a matter of showing honour to the dead (the ones youll be with the longest) and her belief that the gods will be proud of me (p6). The importance of reverence to the gods is a central theme in the play and Antigones case is strengthened by her invocation to them and the importance of giving the dead an appropriate burial. Before Creon has stated his case he has it strengthened by the Chorus who describe him as right for this city at this time (p9) at the end of the parados. Given that one function of the Chorus is to provide moral comment this is notable backing. Creon case, that Polyneices, a traitor, an anti- Theban Theban (p10), should not be buried is stated during his first rhesis. By giving this order Creon is not only willing to sacrifice family ties but emphasising loyalty to the state. The security of, and loyalty to, the state is the at the heart of Creons case. His opening speech is an extended metaphor in which the state is a ship that he led to calmer waters (p8), and those that stood by him a loyal crew. Creon emphasises the words friend and family (p9) to strengthen his belief that personal loyalty must always give way to patriotic duty (p9). After the war with Argos it makes sense that Creon would want to install a sense of unity by honouring those that stood up for Thebes and highlight the importance of patriotic duty. Creon uses the gods to back up his case. For him they kept Thebes safe during the war with Argos and later on describes as preposterous the idea that the gods have had a hand'(p14) in the burial of the traitor Polyneices. Creon believes his case here is strong for it would be illogical that the gods would side with Polyneices given that the city [is] under their protection (p14). If Creons view of the gods is correct, then is case his strengthened but if, as the Chorus suggests, the gods have sided with Antigone than her belief that they will be proud of her appears to be true. Another theme Creon raises is his belief that dissent to his rule is money orientated. It warps minds and generally corrupts (p15) and is, in Creons mind, the reason why the guard has not apprehended the burier of Polyneices. When the guard suggests that the judge has misjudged everything (p16) he emphasises judge and mis when he speaks, giving an added sense of foreboding to his words. This is added to when he describes waiting for whatever plague.. the gods were sending (p19) when capturing Antigone. The theme of money and plague are later returned to and help destroy not only Creons case, but also himself. Antigones acceptance of death is highlighted when the guard describes how she showed no signs of panic (p20) and admitted breaking Creons law. The following agon gives each protagonist the opportunity to strengthen their cases. Antigone does this by emphasising the edict is not the law of Zeus and that she follows original, god-given laws (p20). By invoking the gods again Antigone gives her case the backing of those that all in Thebes will worship long after Creon ceases to rule. Creon challenges Antigone when he asks if religion dictates the same for loyal and disloyal (p24). Here he is supporting his belief that the gods value the security of Thebes and would not want to be joined by a traitor. When he would states he would know his enemy in the underworld (p24) Creon appears to be stating that the afterlife is a a continuation of this life, and the battles he has fought; whereas for Antigone the next world is a place where past sins matter not and all are equal and thus that the gods are less concerned with mortal actions than Creon. With such differing views on the will of the gods the case that is the strongest will be the case that pleases the gods the most. The third episode sticmythia with Haemon gives Creon the opportunity to restate and strengthen his case which he does with his opening speech. Here he restates the importance of discipline and obedience to the state; when those go cities, homes and armies collapse (p15). Again Creon is stating the importance of stability as he did with his first speech and again he states that he expects his family to observe the discipline I expect from every citizen (p30). It is hard to not respect Creons views here and the Chorus does just this when they state the he seems to make good sense (p31). By the end of the third episode the case laid out in Creons opening speech is brought to the fore. He has sacrificed his son for what he perceives to be the security of the state and has proven that patriotic duty has triumphed over personal loyalty (p10). By relenting now Creon would destroy his case; Antigone has to die for Creons case to remain strong and Creon shows that he is willing to accept the consequences of his actions when he tells the Chorus that Haemon can do his worst then (p35). Creon should have remembered the Choruss warning that anyone who overstep[s] what the city allows risks being put beyond the pale (p16). Haemon tells Creon that People here in Thebes dont seem to think that Antigone is a danger. Creons response that rulers[are] meant to be in charge should strengthen his case but it doesnt the Chorus also warned of the dangers of treating the lawas his own word (p33). The grace with which Antigone accepts her fate throughout the fourth episode strengthens her case. The Chorus believes that Antigone goes with her head held high and because you were noble (p37 39). It is difficult to not be moved when she says I close my eye on the sun. I turn my back on the light (p39) with emphasises on close, eye, sun, turn, back and light. Antigone remains consistent and sees her case through to the end. In her final speech she reminds the reader that she has been punished for a reverence that was right (p41), that is a reverence to Hades, to the dead, even if they are enemies of the state and the duty of families to mourn their loved ones. By this point Creon can present his case as being successful. The state has won, and someone that has shown a lack of loyalty has been punished as the law demanded. Despite this his case isnt as strong as it should be. The Chorus who who at first supported Creon and who he relied upon to be agents of the law (p11) have turned against him, and the warnings put to him earlier have still not been dealt with. The entry of Tiresias brings the end of Creons case. The plague the guard alluded too has become tangible, and the corpse of Polyneices is where the contagion starts (p44). The king has been warned that the gods are revolted (p44) but when told that he can undo his mistake his first response is to accuse Tiresias of being bribed and his second sight.. well warped (p45). When Creon does relent it is because he has taken Antigones view that we should keep the established law (p48). This is a complete u-turn that sees Creon accept Antigones case and proves beyond doubt that her case is the stronger of the two. It is too little too late, Antigone is dead in her wedding dress with her beloved Haemon by her side, his mother and Creons wife Eurydice soon joins them in the underworld. Creon is destroyed; he want(s) to hurry death (p55) but can not. Antigone accepted the consequences of her actions but Creon has courted calamity (p56) and must accept the unknown to come. Using the criteria stated above I can only conclude that Antigone has been given the stronger case. If the play finished at the end of fourth episode it would be a hard decision but I would have sided with Antigone following her heartbreaking speeches. I would, as a modern reader, also be swayed by the belief that the state should not interfere in the religious practices of families and should not overturn centuries old traditions for political reasons. Creons taking on of Antigones view and the Choruss final moral comment, that leaders should always rule by the gods and reverence them (p56), makes it impossible to draw a conclusion different to mine.

A research on the effects of birth order on personality family and society Essay

How Does Birth Order Affect Personality, Family, and Society? Introduction This research project will investigate birth order and how it directly affects one’s personality. This project explains why individuals behave differently within the family. According to the systems theory, families adapt in response to changes in internal and external needs and circumstances, including the development of individual family members (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). For primary research, opinions from different hierarchical perspectives will be provided through a survey. Depending on one’s position in the sibling hierarchy, personalities differ because different stages carry different roles and responsibilities. This research project will look at how each stage affects personality. Method For the primary research, a total of fifteen questions were asked to 6 people. Each of the interviewees was of different levels in the sibling hierarchy, i.e. first born, last born, the middle child, only child, and twins. In between each question, the subjects would have time to properly think about their next answer, this way results would be accurate and as substantial as possible. The first interview was conducted with a set of 20-year-old twins, this interview was the most interesting and had the most answers. The next subject was a 13-year-old girl who is the only child of her family, the interview lasted seven minutes. The third interview was conducted with a 17-year-old girl, a 14-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy, they were all siblings and would represent each part of the sibling hierarchy. Topics about the personality and how it affects relationship within the home and outside of the home were discussed. The topics covered were: personality traits and parent-child relationships. Results All of the subjects were teenagers specifically because they would be experiencing the effects of their birth order currently as they are still at home with parents. One hundred percent of the interviewed subjects identified with, and agreed upon the following characteristics and stereotypes: First Borns: High achievers Perfectionists Obsessive Responsible Controlling Middle Children: Very Social Generous Diplomatic Mediators Values friendships and relationships Somewhat rebellious Last Borns: Attention seekers Outgoing Selfish Creative Humourous Discussion This study is supported by Alfred Adler’s theory of personality development. Alder was influenced and inspired by Charles Darwin’s study of genetic evolution and adaptation. Darwin’s phenomena can help explain why children tend to differentiate their personalities and carry out tasks uniquely based on their own individual approach to life in order to reduce competition and conflict. Children influence most of the relations that happen within the family, they decide for themselves the role they will play in the family, parents only help reinforce those choices (Schafer, 2015). Some might deem themselves as the â€Å"responsible one†, the â€Å"goody-two-shoes†, the â€Å"smarty pants†, the athlete, the persevering etc†¦ Alder, who is a world-renowned psychologist would suggest that children be raised or treated individually; meaning as the unique individuals that they are. The primary socialization in a child’s life is determined b y the family. The family helps you gain a sense of who you are (Holloway, 107). If a child is not raised individually, with each of their stereotyped personality traits taken into consideration, it could result in a low self-esteem, conflict and possibly distance within the family. The Theory of Ego development, founded by Jane Loevinger discusses how ego is developed in three stages (Holloway, 105). The second stage of this theory talks about people understanding and accepting their individual differences and through that, distinguishing variations in feelings and emotions that make people unique (Holloway, 105). Most parents might not understand the psychology that is behind a child’s position in the family, which is why many children especially the middle child, might complain of lessened love and misunderstanding. A parent should feel responsible for the well-being of their child, but many of them overlook the importance of understanding the essence of birth order. 2 out of 5 interviewees described their relationship with their parents as normal without any real problems. The other 3 however, agreed upon the fact that their parents do not understand them and in fact treat their siblings and them the same and bringing them up as â€Å"one person†; saying things like â€Å"Be like sibling A†, â€Å"Sibling A gets very high grades, why is it different with you?†. It is a challenge for parents to understand their children and treat them based on their different characters and psyche, which is why most parents don’t even bother. Feelings of neglect and unimportance may arise within certain children when they compare their relationships with their parents to that of their siblings. Sibling relationships are one of the most significant relationships people experience through life. They help define our early social and cognitive skills. The emotional connection and protection that comes from a sibling bond is a great life satisfaction that helps reduce levels of depression. They can teach us about conflict resolution, managing social tensions, conduct friendships and handle ourselves in group situations (http://internationalschoolparent.com/). Gender also has a role to play in birth order positions. In the case of the first-born child, oldest males are more of leaders as they tend to take charge. Oldest daughters, on the other side of the spectrum, are more aggressive and confident, sometimes bossy. â€Å"Middleborns are the Type O blood of relationships: They go with anyone,† (Schipani, 2010). Middle children tend to be good at making compromises as they would have bossy older siblings and needy younger siblings. The youngest child of the family is usuall y treasured and in many cases treated as babies for much longer than their older siblings. The youngest siblings of the family also tend to stray away from taking charge and might be seen as the shy and quiet sheep of the family. The only children of the family are usually stereotyped to be precious and would be pampered as they have all the attention on them; parents would not have to split attention and in worse cases love between siblings because there is only one child. Many say that only children are more mature for their age because of the amount of time they spend with their parents. My research showed that the 13-year-old girl interviewed who is the only child of the family, considered herself more socially aware than her peers and is very much accustomed to and satisfied with her own company. Symbolic interactionism examples that a child’s self-esteem is determined by the parent’s appraisal of the child’s worth, this occurs during the parent-child interaction. It assumes that supportive parental behavior like nurturance, approval, and love all determine a child’s inherent worth (Adkins, 2003). The child will be able to confirm that his parents accept him for who he is and see him as a competent and worthwhile person. The more the parent interact with a child using positive sentiments, the child will positively act upon not just her immediate family but the environment around her. The theory states that if parent-child relationships are spread across equally amongst all children, all the children within the family will have an equal self-esteem.    Conclusion As proven by Alfred Adler’s theory, birth order does have an effect on one’s personality. As well as individualistically, a child’s position in the family can reflect on his immediate family, meaning sibling and parent relationships as well as how they relate to the outside world. If parents don’t learn to properly care for their children individualistically, conflict and feelings of incompetence could arise within the family.    Citations Adkins, K. L. (2003, May). Predicting Self-Esteem Based on Perceived Parental Favoritism and Birth Order. In Tennessee State University Graduate Studies. Retrieved from< http://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1907&context=etd> Schafer, A. (2015, May 5). Birth Order Theory. In HUFF POST PARENTS CANADA. Retrieved from Schipani, D. (2010, May 28). How Does Birth Order Affect Relationships? In Women’s Day. Retrieved from White, James Martin., and Margaret Holloway. Families in Canada: Social Contexts, Continuities, And Changes. Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. Print. Whiteman SD, McHale SM, Soli A. Theoretical perspectives on sibling relationships. J Fam Theory Rev. 2011;3:124–139. What Does Birth Order Say About You (n.d.). In International School Parent. Retrieved from

Cell Phones Should Not Be Banned - 976 Words

The use of smartphones is becoming more common, but at times the use of cell phones can cause problems for a school system. Cell phone usage during school has increased significantly since technology has allowed us to access the internet or social media and text or call anyone whenever we desire. In certain circumstances, however, the use of cell phones should not be allowed such as in class. Some students may face a challenge by putting their phone away just for a split second, and they cannot resist the urge of using their device while in class, thus this could be a serious problem not only for them but for the people surrounding cell phone users. The device creates distractions, not only to the user, but for others as well, causing the user to be disrespectful to his or her classmates and the instructor, and perhaps leading the user to something that is unacceptable by all institutions, cheating. When students are waiting for the instructor to walk into the classroom, the majorit y of the students will be on their phone. Some students will be checking their school e-mail or checking up on someone if needed, but they will put their phones away when the instructor enters the classroom. Others, however, will be scrolling down their social media news feed and will proceed to do so even after the instructor comes in the classroom and initiates his or her lesson. The users in a classroom are less likely to pay attention to the lesson and will possibly not do as well asShow MoreRelatedCell Phones Should Not Be Banned1222 Words   |  5 PagesCell phones can definitely be educational tools in school What’s are everybody’s opinion on cell phones during school? Why should or shouldn’t they be allowed? I’ve always used mine as a helpful tool. I’ve heard many different sides of this debate, mostly they have been positive. I’ve used mine for reading a book in study hall and playing a game to benefit for a vocabulary test. Cell phones are educational tools and should not be banned. This is a debate that can go both ways. Lots of bigger schoolsRead MoreCell Phones Should Not Be Banned910 Words   |  4 PagesCell Phones Should be Allowed in School Seventy eight percent of 12-17 years old have cell phones as of a survey taken in 2013. Cell phones have boomed and its time to let them shine. Cell phones becoming a major part of peoples life’s. Cell phones are welcomed every where this days. There allowed in restaurants and hospitals, but one place they are not welcome are schools. Cell phones should allowed in schools. Cell phones are used by around third of the population. With teenagers being a very bigRead MoreCell Phones Should Not Be Banned4313 Words   |  18 Pagesthat ban cell phone usage while driving completely. Even though the statistics are clear and that there is a problem, there is still yet to be a bill passed that eliminates the use of cell phones across all states, altogether. Many people believe that such a bill would limit their freedom even more than the government already has. With millions of Americans driving, and the many that use cell phones while driving, the problem is very real and very grave. Laws that prohibit using cell phones nationwideRead MoreShould Cell Phones Be Banned?979 Words   |  4 PagesCellphones in class By: Easton Stackis Have you ever wanted to use cellphones in school? Cell phones have many benefits and positive uses that help students during school a lot. Although cell phones can be distracting they should be allowed in school in case of an emergency, to teach responsibility, and to help in school like homework and research. Cell phones are very helpful in emergencies. With cell phones, parents know if their children alright in an emergency. Which takes a lot of stressRead MoreCell Phones Should Not Be Banned1299 Words   |  6 PagesThe usage of a cell phone is dramatically increasing today, especially for students. 98% of parents of cell-owning teens say that a major factor why their child has a cell phone is so that they can be in touch no matter where the child is. That statement can be true, but considering that we’re living in the 21st century, do we really think that’s the biggest reason why students own cell phones, just to make calls and keep in touch with their fellow parents? Keep in mind, it’s the 2016-more advancedRead MoreCell Phones Should Not Be Banned904 Words   |  4 Pagesseeing a smart phone. Technology is everywhere we can t escape it even if we tried. We have advanced so far that we often forget that technology in certain places can be counterproductive espec ially in schools. The cell phones shouldn t be used during school days because it can lead to cheating, texting it makes sounds, and is distracting all this put together makes for an unneeded school accessory. First reason why the cell phones shouldn t be in school it leads to cheating. Cell phones are filledRead MoreCell Phones Should Be Banned in Schools Essay527 Words   |  3 PagesPeople in many schools regularly sneak around on their cell phones, trying to hide them from teachers or administrators. Cell phones were originally against school rules. Honestly it makes a lot of since for students not to be able to use their cell phones during school hours. Cell phones should be banned in schools because they distract students, allow cheating in Schools, and they can be dangerous. Cell phones distract students in school. Whenever people text in class it gets other people’sRead MoreShould Cell Phones Should Be Banned While Driving?1125 Words   |  5 PagesShould phones be banned while driving? I agree with the fact that phones should be banned while driving. This is because phones have become a major cause of accidents lately and many people are losing their lives in the event. As a person, there are numerous times I have had to run into people while texting or talking on a phone. If this is the case while just walking, what comes out when one is using a phone while driving? The most worrying issue is the fact that most people are valuing their convenienceRead MoreCell Phones Should Be Banned from Classrooms540 Words   |  2 Pagesbut was supervise by parents. In today’s world third graders are now getting cell phones and they are creeping into our schools/ classrooms. Because of cell phones in our classrooms our students are not learning. Cell phones are a good asset to our world because they keep in touch with persons or family all around the world but it must be eradicated from our classrooms all around the world. Cell phones should be banned in the classroom b ecause they distract students from learning by encouraging cyberRead MoreCell Phones Should Not Be Banned from School Property693 Words   |  3 Pagestelephones in hand. One may say the use of cell phones should be banned on school property, however there are many instances in which that may not be the best idea. Parents need to know that their children are safe and those children need a way in which to contact their parents if an emergency arises. If their child is not permitted to have their cellular telephone with them at school, the parent loses that sense of security. Cellular telephones should not be banned for students’ use on school property

The Necklace - 967 Words

Interpreting â€Å"The Necklace† by Guy de Maupassant The value of interpretive fiction lies in the ability of the story to convey some sort of principle that is translatable to everyday life, illustrating practical truths and the demonstrating moral ethics. Guy de Mauppasant’s short story â€Å"The Necklace† is full of interpretive and thematic significance. This significance lies in the ability of the story to convey the idea that it is important to recognize the worth in oneself and not to attach meaning to material possessions. Another important point that resonates after reading this story is that happiness does not come in the form of material wealth and that greed for material wealth can ultimately function to diminish all that one has.†¦show more content†¦. . . Well, its paid for at last, and Im glad indeed. Mme Forestier responds with surprise â€Å"Oh, my poor Mathilde! But mine was imitation. It was worth at the very most five hundred francs! . . . After reading this short story by Maupassant it is almost inevitable that the reader will feel frustrated with Mathilde’s stupidity. It seems so ludicrous that someone’s pride could cost them so much; that her life could be so devastated for a piece of jewellery. Furthermore, a piece of fake jewellery! What a scandal! The truth is however that these types of scenarios play out on a day to day basis, although perhaps not as exaggerated as the scenario in this story. Maupassant wanted the reader to comprehend the arbitrary nature of the necklace, the necklace being symbolic of material possession and social status. What is also important to recognize is that the necklace itself, even when it possessed the power to transform Mathilde into a magnificent, upper class bourgeoisie, talk of the town woman; was a fake. Maupassant is clearly mocking society’s trivial preoccupation with insignificant objects and false appearances. Mathilde Loisel is the vessel that Mauppasant uses to convey some very important messages and criticisms about how we should live our lives. It is clear to see that Mathilde wasted ten years of her and her husband’s life in drudgery because their pride did not allow them to be honest. What is more tragic is that her vanityShow MoreRelated The Necklace1898 Words   |  8 Pagesconsistently reflected the interests and activities of a people. Therefore, some themes have been dominant in World Literature from ancient times to the present. One such theme greed and generosity, which is explored in the French short story â€Å"The Necklace† by Guy de Maupassant. On August 5, 1850, Maupassant was born near Normandy, France, where he lived for the majority of his childhood. He was the first son of Laure Le Poittevin and Gustave de Maupassant, who were both from prestigious bourgeoisRead MoreEssay on The Necklace1342 Words   |  6 Pagesshort story The Necklace. Its protagonist, Mathilde Loisel, longing for a lavish lifestyle rather than her middle class way of life, falls under the spell of an priceless diamond. Dealing with her fate, some of Mathildes strong character traits soon become apparent. Examining these attributes, we discover that Mathilde Loisel definitely has a negative personality. The first of many character traits of Mathilde Loisel that Maupassant makes evident in the The Necklace is greed. SheRead More The Necklace Essay1346 Words   |  6 Pages â€Å"The Necklace† Around the world, values are expressed differently. Some people think that life is about the little things that make them happy. Others feel the opposite way and that expenses are the way to live. In Guy de Maupassant’s short story, â€Å"The Necklace†, he develops a character, Madame Loisel, who illustrates her different style of assessments. Madame Loisel, a beautiful woman, lives in a wonderful home with all the necessary supplies needed to live. However, she is very unhappyRead MoreAnalysis of The Necklace Essay883 Words   |  4 PagesBickford English 1102 6 February 2006 Analysis of The Necklace Many women dream of living a rich life, full of luxury, riches and servants. In the short story The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant, a middle-class woman named Madame Loisel desires that life style very much. In The Necklace Madame Loisels vain desires cause many conflicts and her ultimate downfall. One small conflict in the story is Madame Loisel vs. her husband. He is always trying to make his wife satisfied and she neverRead MoreThe Necklace, Mr. Maupassant910 Words   |  4 PagesIn â€Å"The Necklace† Mr. Maupassant tells a story of a woman, Mrs. Loisel, who goes through many emotions over the loss of a necklace that ends up being a fake. As she goes through these situations Mr. Maupassant gives examples of literally elements that prove what kind of person she turns out to be. Throughout the story Mrs. Loisel is conflicted with many problems just to realize who she became and how she took advantage of what she already had in her life. When it turns out to be too late she thenRead MoreThe Diamond Necklace Script2414 Words   |  10 Pagesborrow some jewelries from her. SCENE 3: Forestier House Open Curtain Forestier: (went to a wardrobe with a mirror, took out a large jewel box, brought it back, opened it) Choose, my dear. Mathilde: (saw some bracelets, then a pearl necklace, then a Venetian gold cross set with precious stones. Tried on the ornaments before the mirror, hesitated and could not make up her mind to part with them, to give them back.) Havent you anymore? Forestier: WhyRead MoreThe Necklace by Guy de Maupassant1034 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"The Necklace.† Guy de Maupassant, a French writer, born in 1850, was considered one of France’s greatest short-story writers. His writings were mostly influenced by the divorce of his parents when he was thirteen years old and by great writers such as Shakespeare, Schopenhauer, and Flauber. His parent’s divorce caused his stories to depict unhappiness of matrimony, deceit, miscommunication, and a profound misunderstanding (Maupassant, Guy de, 1850-1893). In the short-story â€Å"The Necklace,† MadameRead MoreThe Necklace, By Guy De Maupassant999 Words   |  4 PagesMaupassant’s â€Å"The Necklace,† readers experience Mathilde Loisel’s life-changing event. Coming from nobility, de Maupassant tells the story of luxurious desire through the eyes of the middle class woman Mathilde. Mathilde constantly dreams of living the life of the upper clas s, and this prohibits her from acting in reality. Mathilde’s internal struggle for a sense of social royalty shows readers how quickly selfish pride destroys a person’s life. Throughout the course of â€Å"The Necklace,† Mathilde changesRead MoreThe Necklace, By Guy De Maupassant966 Words   |  4 PagesIn Guy De Maupassant’s â€Å"The Necklace,† Mathilde is a 19th century French woman who desires a wealthier lifestyle than she can acquire. She is completely indulged in the material possessions of life and is focused on the items she does not have rather than what she owns. It seems her happiness is entirely dependent on wealth and status. She neglects her husband and is never content with what he can offer. Eventually, Mathilde’s struggles of envy, selfishness, and materialism drive her to poverty.Read MoreThe Diamond Necklace, By Maupassant942 Words   |  4 Pagesand their generation stays rich all the time, while other born poor and all their stays poor all the times. However, there are other people who move from one class to another. Sometimes this mutation depends on the individual effort. In the Diamond Necklace, Guy de Maupassant describe the life of Mathilde who born poor and was not happy with her situation. Since she was unable to switch her social class, she tried for all occasion to appear as rich women. In this short story, Maupassant shows in different