Lesson Plan for “The Necklace”
Grade Level 8-12
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Three Types of Irony; Plot; Theme (3 Days)
RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences
drawn from the text.
RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including
how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a
text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
RL.9-10.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and
manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.
W.9-10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and
accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
W.9-10.3d Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences,
events, setting, and/or characters.
L.9-10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Objectives:
• To derive the meaning of unfamiliar terms in a text through the use of context clues.
• To identify the use of situational irony in a short story.
• Identify Plot, theme
• To practice discussion skills within a small group.
• To write a fictional epilogue for a short story.
Bellringer: (10 minutes)


5-7 sentences for paragraph practice
“What is the best gift you’ve ever received? What is the best gift you’ve ever given?”
Read: (30 minutes)
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“The Necklace” Pg. 27
After Reading: (15 minutes)

Work to complete the comprehension questions at the end of the reading, and then answer
questions – 2,3,4, and 8
o What might be Madame Loisel’s thoughts and feelings right after she learns that the
diamond necklace was only paste?
o How does Madame Loisel change as a result of her experiences?
o Madame Loisel pays dearly for jumping to a wrong conclusion. Do you think it ultimately
ruins her life or saves her life? Explain your answer.
o Do people still chase after wealth and social status today? Do you think the pursuit of status
is worthwhile?
Discussion Questions About The Necklace
What role does the necklace play in the narrative? The necklace represents the desire for material
goods, affluence, and good looks. It is a crucial component of the narrative, symbolizing the unreal nature of
Mathilde's wishes. It also reflects the desire to look expensive and luxurious in the eyes of other people.
What do the key themes of "The Necklace" involve? The narrative examines issues including
consumerism, pride, dishonesty, the results of decisions, and the notion that genuine pleasure originates
inside. One of the main themes of the story is irony. This irony is reflected by the ending of the story and the
consequences Mathilde has to face because of her actions.
Why is "The Necklace" ironic? Irony abounds throughout the narrative, especially given the shocking
conclusion. The jewelry Mathilde and her husband spend so much time and money replacing turns out to be
a fake, highlighting the cruel irony of their predicament.
Why did Mathilde first borrow the necklace?
At a lavish ball, Mathilde wants to seem more trendy and wealthy, so she borrows the necklace. She wants to
impress the other visitors since she is unhappy with her simple life and humble background.
Creative Writing: (30 minutes)

Rewrite “The Necklace” as if Madame Loisel didn’t lose the necklace, what would have happened
instead?
Discussion: (30 minutes) -- Themes and Other Topics of Discussion for “The Necklace”
center around the following subjects:
Vanity and Pride – An important “Necklace” theme is the danger of vanity and pride. It is Madame Loisel’s
vanity that causes her to want to live beyond her means and her pride that prevents her from telling
Madame Forestiere the truth.
The Dangers of Debt – “The Necklace” theme of the dangers of debt is as timely today as it was when the
story was written.
Irony – Madame Loisel labors for that which is of no worth.
Theme – Because of its obvious message, “The Necklace” makes a great short story for teaching theme.
Differentiated:
 Providing texts, resources, or websites at different reading levels, levels of complexity, or levels of abstraction
around the same concept, theme, or topic
 Providing audio/visual supports for taking in text or other information
 Posing situations, problems, or dilemmas that vary by complexity, skill mastery, or background knowledge
required
 Pairing key academic vocabulary with native-language equivalents or visual cues
 Modeling or demonstrating
 Working with content/skills that are pre-requisite to targeted content/skills
 Varying the time allotted to take in/learn content