015. The Necklace

Exercise 1
Choose the correct answer.

1. Which statement best describes the Loisels’ marriage?
A. They are poor but loving and contented.
B. They are not well matched as they desire totally different things.
C. They are happy as they are able to save up for many luxuries.
D. They are well matched as Mathilde is a good cook who loves to make her husband’s favourite dishes.

2. Mathilde refuses to wait for a cab inside the building because
A. she wants to walk in the fresh air.
B. she can get a cab faster than Loisel.
C. she is afraid to be alone without Loisel.
D. she is ashamed to be seen in her modest wraps.

3. Loisel suggests that Mathilde ask Madame Forestier to lend her some jewellery because
A. Madame Forestier lends jewellery to everyone
B. Madame Forestier owes her a favour
C. Madame Forestier is her relative
D. Madame Forestier is her friend

4. Why does Mathilde write to Madame Forestier?
A. She wants to borrow the necklace.
B. She wants to invite her friend to tea.
C. She wants to thank her friend for the necklace.
D. She wants to have more time to look for the necklace.

5. What does ‘dressed like a woman of the people’ (p. 36) mean?
A. Dressed very stylishly
B. Dressed very fashionably
C. Dressed like a society lady
D. Dressed very plainly and cheaply

6. Madame Forestier appears so much younger than Mathilde at the end of the story because
A. she has a child to take care of
B. she has not had to work hard like Mathilde
C. she has had plastic surgery
D. she is wearing her best dress and the necklace

Exercise 2
Write short answers to the following questions.

1. What does Mathilde dream about at the beginning of the story?

2. Why does Mathilde want a new gown?

3. Why is Mathilde so happy at the ball?

4. Why is Loisel sleeping at the ball?

5. At the end of the story, what does Madame Forestier tell Mathilde about the necklace?