“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is a twisted and broken fable.* Although this tale incorporates some fictional elements, there is simply not enough evidence to support the claim that it is actually a “modern fairy tale”. Fairy tales often include themes such as enchantment, which is shown when the main character dreams, but is it really such an enchanting thing? Another theme present in fairy tales is the encounter with the main struggle, in "The Necklace" the main character also faces a challenge, but this challenge does not fit perfectly with the characteristics of an encounter. A third example of a fairy-tale element is the presence of a weak male figure. In this case there is a weak man but he does not remain weak throughout the story. A final characteristic of a fairy tale is the journey that is undertaken, in “The Necklace”, the main character takes some steps, but are these steps really considered a 'journey'? As you will learn, none of these elements present in the fairy tales truly conform to “The Necklace”, therefore not making it a “modern fairy tale”. + Enchantment, this element is present in almost all fairy tales. In fact, it's the very thing that adds fantasy to the story itself. In "The Necklace", the protagonist, Madame Mathilde Loisel, dreams every day... large halls carpeted with ancient silks, fine furniture full of curiosities of inestimable value, and small elegant and fragrant lounges, suitable for four in the afternoon. chatting with close friends, with distinguished and sought-after men that every woman envies and wants to attract (Maupassant 28). One might say that all this is already enchanting enough, but if one were to analyze exactly what Mathilde is so infatu... ... middle of paper ......” does not completely include any fairy-tale elements, so it is not even possible consider it a modern 'fairytale'. Although the story hints at some rudiments of fantasy, there is not enough evidence, or even suggestive implications, for anyone to think that it is a fairy tale. Overall, all the evidence (or lack thereof) supports the conclusion that Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace" was not intended as a modern fairy tale, but rather a twisted and broken version of one. Works Citedde Maupassant, Guy. "The necklace." Applebee, Arthur N. ed. The Language of Literature Boston: McDougal Littell, 2001. Text and motif of the fairy tale. prod. Access to distribution. Access to Distribution, 2001.Discovery Education. Network. December 1st 2001. .