“The False Gems” by Guy de Maupassant
1. At the beginning of the story, Monsieur and Madame Lantin’s marriage is depicted. How would
you describe their marriage?
2. Monsieur Lantin had a problem with two of his wife’s interests? What were these problems, and
how did Monsieur cope with his problems?
3. What is a subtle clue on the first or second page of the story which hints at the fact that someone
began giving Madam Lantin jewelry? Who do you believe was giving her jewelry?
4. Find another example of irony mentioned in story beside this one: “Look! Are they not lovely? One
would swear they are real.”
a. The rich, indeed, are happy. With money it is possible to forget even the deepest sorrow. One
can go where one pleases, and in travel find that distraction which is the surest cure for grief. Oh, if I
were only rich!”
b. The last line with 2nd marriage being full of sorrow
5. Monsieur refers to his wife’s jewelry as “deceptions”. The jewelry is “deceptive” in more than one
way. How is the jewelry symbolic of his wife and her life?
6. Define climax in a plot chart. What is the climax of the story? Why is this the climax?
7. Monsieur marries again, but his wife makes his life miserable. What point do you think
Maupassant, the author, was trying to make with this resolution?
8. The reader learns Monsieur Lantin inherited 143,000 francs from his wife’s jewels. He
yells out in the street that he is worth “two hundred thousand francs,” and then tells his boss he
“inherited three hundred thousand francs.” Lastly, he tells someone at a restaurant that he
inherited “four hundred thousand francs.” Why does he lie and increase the amount of money he
inherited?
9. If the theme is “ignorance is bliss” or “money buys both happiness and sorrow” how would you
show this through de Maupassant’s story?
10. What is your opinion of this story? Support it with a reason/example.