Fear By: Will In Guy de Maupassat's "The Necklace," and O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," fear motivates the main characters, and influences the events in each story. The stories convey powerful messages to us as we watch how each character copes with her fears. In the beginning of "The Necklace" Mathilde is envious of the social class and wealth of others because she has never enjoyed either position or wealth. When Mathilde's husband receives an invitation to an evening reception, Mathilde is afraid that she will be forced to express her lack of social class, and is hesitant to go. But out of the goodness of he husband's heart he bought her an expensive dress for her to wear and suggested that she borrow jewelry from ...view middle of the document...
Not to mention of what Mme Forestier would do to them if she were to ever find out. A similar necklace would cost 36 thousand francs, 18 of which they had. They would have to borrow the rest. As for Mme Forestier she believed that the necklace's latch was broken and was being fixed. Later when the necklace paid off Mme Forestier was told the truth. In the beginning of "The Gift of the Magi," Della is a comely housewife desperately needing to get her husband, Jim a gift. She however fearful that he may think she dose not love him is she doesn't. The only problem is, Jim and Della are facing terrible financial poverty. Della's decision to sell her long, precious hair is provoked by this financial depression. But before her hair is cut, Della experiences a moment of hesitation. She became fearful that once she cut her hair off, Jim would think that she was no longer the lovely bride he had married. But Jim's bewildered expression upon seeing Della's cut hair simply implies that he is thinking about his present for her, the long idled pair of tortoise shell hair combs, for which he sold his beautiful watch. Jim then suggested that he and Della put away the Christmas gifts. At the end of "The Necklace," it is clear that the Loisels have suffered needlessly, and are driven into a life of poverty. All in the pursuit of recognition over a necklace made of paste. Through this experience the Loisels have rekindled their relationship. Mathilde has also learned to accept her status even though she will never forget about that night at which she felt so admired. Jim's suggestion in "The Gift of the Magi," shows that he is loving and practical. Based on the mutual sacrifices in the story it shows that actions can reveal love as strongly as a gift if it is based on devotion and caring.
