The Necklace - Textual Comprehension

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The Necklace

Reading Comprehension 1

SHE was one of those pretty young ladies, born as if through an error of destiny into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming known, loved, and married by a man either rich or distinguished, and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. She was simple, but she was unhappy.

 

     She suffered incessantly, feeling herself born for all the delicacies and luxuries. She suffered from the poverty of her apartment, the shabby walls and the worn chairs. All these things tortured and angered her.

 

     When she seated herself for dinner opposite her husband, he uncovered the tureen with a delighted air, saying, “Oh! the good potpie! I know nothing better than that…,” she would think of elegant dinners, of shining silver; she thought of the exquisite food served in marvellous dishes. She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things.

1. What was the woman’s social background?
a) She was born into a rich family.
b) She was born into a family of clerks.
c) She came from a royal family.

2. Why was she unhappy after marriage?
a) She did not like her husband.
b) She felt she was born for luxury but lived in poverty.
c) She wanted to live in another city.

3. What kind of man did she marry?
a) A rich businessman
b) A petty clerk in the Board of Education
c) A teacher

4. How did she feel about her apartment and furniture?
a) She was satisfied with them.
b) She found them shabby and poor.
c) She wanted to decorate them with flowers.

5. What did she dream of when her husband enjoyed simple food?
a) She dreamed of elegant dinners with fine dishes and silver.
b) She dreamed of cooking better food.
c) She thought of having more guests.

Answers:

1. b

2. b

3. b

4. b

5. a

 

Reading Comprehension 2

  

   She had a rich friend, a schoolmate at the convent, who she did not like to visit—she suffered so much when she returned. She wept for whole days of despair and disappointment.

 

     One evening, her husband returned home, elated, bearing in his hand a large envelope.

 

     “Here,” he said, “here is something for you.”

 

     She quickly drew out a printed card on which were inscribed these words:

The Minister of Public Instruction and Madame George Ramponneau ask the honour of M. and Mme Loisel’s company. Monday evening, January 18, at the Minister’s residence.

 

     Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, she threw the invitation spitefully upon the table, murmuring, “What do you suppose I want with that?”

 

     “But, my dearie, I thought it would make you happy. You never go out, and this is an occasion, and a fine one! Everybody wants one, and it is very select; not many are given to employees. You will see the whole official world there.”

1. Who was the rich friend mentioned in the passage?
a) A relative of Mme Loisel
b) Her schoolmate from the convent
c) Her neighbour

2. Why did Mme Loisel avoid visiting her rich friend?
a) She was jealous and felt sad after visiting her
b) Her friend was rude to her
c) She did not have time to visit

3. What did Mme Loisel’s husband bring home one evening?

a) A letter of promotion
b) A large envelope with an invitation card
c) A box of jewels

4. How did Mme Loisel react to the invitation?
a) She was very happy and thankful
b) She threw it away angrily and asked what she would do with it
c) She started preparing for the party immediately

5. Why did her husband think the invitation would please her?
a) Because she liked parties and rarely went out
b) Because she wanted to meet the Minister
c) Because she loved official events

Answers:

1. b

2. a

3. b

4. b

5. a

Reading Comprehension 3

 

     She looked at him with an irritated eye and declared impatiently, “What do you suppose I have to wear to such a thing as that?”

 

     He had not thought of that; he stammered, “Why, the dress you wear when we go to the theatre. It seems very pretty to me…” He was silent, stupefied, in dismay at the sight of his wife weeping. He stammered, “What is the matter? What is the matter?”

 

     By a violent effort, she had controlled her vexation and responded in a calm voice, wiping her moist cheeks, “Nothing. Only I have no dress, and consequently, I cannot go to this affair. Give your card to some colleague whose wife is better fitted out than I.”

 

     He was grieved but answered, “Let us see, Matilda. How much would a suitable costume cost, something that would serve for other occasions, something very natural?”

1. Why was Mme Loisel irritated with her husband?
a) Because he forgot to bring her jewellery
b) Because she had nothing suitable to wear to the party
c) Because he did not want to take her to the invitation

2. What did her husband suggest she wear?
a) Her wedding dress
b) The dress she wore to the theatre
c) A new silk gown

3. How did Mme Loisel first react to her husband’s suggestion?
a) She was happy and agreed
b) She became angry and started crying
c) She went shopping immediately

4. What did Mme Loisel ask her husband to do with the invitation card?
a) Throw it away
b) Give it to his colleague whose wife was better dressed
c) Save it for later

5. What did her husband finally ask her?
a) How much a suitable dress would cost
b) Whether she wanted to cancel the plan
c) If she wanted to borrow a dress from her friend

Answers:

1. b

2. b

3. b

4. b

5. a

Reading Comprehension 4

 

     She reflected for some seconds, thinking of a sum that she could ask for without bringing an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation from the economic clerk. Finally, she said hesitantly, “I cannot tell exactly, but it seems to me that four hundred francs ought to cover it.”

 

     He turned a little pale, for he had saved just this sum to buy a gun so that he might be able to attend some hunting parties the following summer with some friends who went to shoot larks on Sunday. Nevertheless, he answered, “Very well. I will give you four hundred francs. But try to have a pretty dress.

1. Why did Mme Loisel hesitate before mentioning the amount?
a) She didn’t know the cost of a dress
b) She wanted to ask for a reasonable sum that her husband wouldn’t refuse
c) She was afraid her husband wouldn’t buy her jewellery

2. How much money did Mme Loisel ask for?
a) 200 francs
b) 300 francs
c) 400 francs

3. What had her husband been saving the money for?
a) To buy new furniture
b) To buy a gun for hunting
c) To go on a trip with friends

4. What kind of hunting did his friends do on Sundays?
a) Deer hunting
b) Rabbit hunting
c) Lark shooting

5. How did the husband react when she asked for the money?
a) He refused to give it
b) He became angry
c) He agreed, though he looked pale

Answers:

1. b

2. c

3. b

4. c

5. c

Reading Comprehension 5

 

     The day of the ball approached, and Mme Loisel seemed sad, disturbed, anxious. Nevertheless, her dress was nearly ready. Her husband said to her one evening, “What is the matter with you? You have been acting strangely for two or three days.”

 

     And she responded, “I am vexed not to have a jewel, nothing to adorn myself with. I shall have such a poverty-stricken look. I would prefer not to go to this party.”

 

     He replied, “You can wear some natural flowers. In this season they look very chic.”

 

     She was not convinced. “No”, she replied, “there is nothing more humiliating than having a shabby air in the midst of rich women.”

 

     Then her husband cried out, “How stupid we are! Find your friend Mme Forestier and ask her to lend you her jewels.

 

     She uttered a cry of joy. “It is true!” she said. “I had not thought of that.”

1. Why was Mme Loisel feeling sad and anxious before the ball?
a) Her dress was not ready
b) She did not have any jewels to wear
c) She didn’t want to attend the party
d) She was unwell

2. Who suggested that Mme Loisel borrow jewels from a friend?
a) Mme Forestier
b) Mme Loisel herself
c) Her husband
d) A neighbour

3. What does Mme Loisel’s worry about jewels show about her character?

a) She is humble and modest
b) She values appearance and status highly
c) She dislikes attention
d) She is indifferent to fashion

4. Why did her husband suggest using natural flowers before mentioning borrowing jewels?
a) He wanted to save money
b) He thought flowers looked elegant enough
c) He didn’t know she had a rich friend
d) Both a and b

5. What emotion does Mme Loisel’s reaction (“I had not thought of that!”) reveal?
a) Anger
b) Relief and excitement
c) Guilt
d) Disappointment

Answers:

1. b

2. c

3. b

4. d

5. b

Reading Comprehension 6

 

     The next day, she took herself to her friend’s house and related her distress story. Mme Forestier went to her closet, took a large jewel case, brought it, opened it, and said, “Choose, my dear.”

 

     She saw some bracelets, then a collar of pearls, then a Venetian cross of gold and jewels of admirable artistry. She tried the jewels before the glass, hesitated, but could neither decide to take them nor leave them. Then she asked, “Have you nothing more?”

 

     “Why, yes. Look for yourself. I do not know what will please you.”

 

     Suddenly she discovered, in a black satin box, a superb necklace of diamonds. Her hands trembled as she took it out. She was overjoyed as she wrapped it around her throat and pressed it against her dress. Then she asked, in a hesitating voice, full of anxiety, “Could you lend me this? Only this?”

 

     “Why, yes, certainly.”

 

     She fell upon the neck of her friend, embraced her with passion, and then went away with her treasure.

1. What did Mme Forestier offer Mme Loisel when she came to borrow something?
a) A dress
b) A pair of shoes
c) A box of jewels
d) A handbag

2. Which jewel did Mme Loisel finally choose to borrow?
a) A pearl necklace
b) A diamond necklace
c) A gold bracelet
d) A silver pendant

3. Why did Mme Loisel’s hands tremble when she took out the diamond necklace?
a) She was afraid of breaking it
b) She was overwhelmed by its beauty and value
c) She was cold
d) She didn’t like it

4. What does Mme Loisel’s hesitation before choosing show about her nature?
a) She is greedy and never satisfied
b) She is shy and unsure of herself
c) She has difficulty making decisions and wants the best
d) She does not like jewels

5. Why did Mme Loisel embrace Mme Forestier so passionately?
a) She wanted to thank her sincerely
b) She was excited to wear something that would make her look rich
c) She wanted to impress her friend
d) She was afraid her friend might change her mind

Answers:

1. c

2. b

3. b

4. c

5. b

Reading Comprehension 7

 

     The day of the ball arrived. Mme Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest of all—elegant, gracious, smiling, and full of joy. All the men noticed her, asked her name, and wanted to be presented.

 

     She danced with enthusiasm, intoxicated with pleasure, thinking of nothing but all this admiration, this victory so complete and sweet to her heart.

 

     She went home towards four o’clock in the morning. Her husband had been half asleep in one of the little salons since midnight, with three other gentlemen whose wives were enjoying themselves very much.

 

     He threw around her shoulders the modest wraps they had carried, whose poverty clashed with the elegance of the ball costume. She wished to hurry away in order not to be noticed by the other women who were wrapping themselves in rich furs.

 

     Loisel detained her, “Wait,” he said. “I am going to call a cab.”

 

     But she would not listen and descended the steps rapidly. When they were in the street, they found no carriage, and they began to seek one, hailing the coachmen whom they saw at a distance.

1. How was Mme Loisel described at the ball?
a) Nervous and shy
b) Elegant, gracious, and full of joy
c) Quiet and withdrawn
d) Angry and upset

2. At what time did Mme Loisel leave the ball?
a) At midnight
b) At one o’clock
c) At two o’clock
d) At four o’clock

3. Why did Mme Loisel want to leave the party quickly?
a) She was feeling unwell
b) She didn’t like the food
c) She didn’t want others to see her poor wrap
d) She was angry with her husband

4. What does Mme Loisel’s behaviour at the ball show about her personality?
a) She is simple and content
b) She craves admiration and enjoys attention
c) She dislikes parties
d) She is humble and modest

5. What contrast is shown in the passage between Mme Loisel’s appearance and her reality?
a) She looks rich but lives in poverty
b) She is rich but looks poor
c) She is shy but behaves proudly
d) She is kind but acts rudely

Answers:

1. b

2. d

3. c

4. b

5. a

Reading Comprehension 8

 

     They walked along toward the river, hopeless and shivering. Finally, they found one of those old carriages that one sees in Paris after nightfall.

 

     It took them as far as their door, and they went wearily up to their apartment. It was all over for her. And on his part, he remembered that he would have to be at the office by ten o’clock.

 

     She removed the wrappings from her shoulders before the glass, for a final view of herself in her glory. Suddenly, she uttered a cry. Her necklace was not around her neck.

 

     Loisel, already half undressed, asked, “What is the matter?”

 

     She turned towards him excitedly. “I have—I have—I no longer have Mme Forestier’s necklace.”

1. Where did the Loisels finally find a carriage?
a) Near the minister’s house
b) Near the market
c) Along the river
d) At the railway station

2. What did Mme Loisel discover when she looked at herself in the mirror?
a) Her dress was torn
b) Her necklace was missing
c) Her hair was untidy
d) Her wrap had fallen

3. What does Mme Loisel’s reaction to losing the necklace reveal about her?
a) She was calm and practical
b) She was careless and indifferent
c) She was emotional and anxious
d) She was selfish and rude

4. What does the sentence “It was all over for her” suggest about Mme Loisel’s feelings?
a) She was tired after the party
b) She felt her happiness had ended
c) She was relieved the night was over
d) She was angry with her husband

5. What contrast can be seen between Mme Loisel and her husband in this scene?
a) She is practical, he is careless
b) She is calm, he is nervous
c) She is emotional, he is tired but responsible
d) She is cheerful, he is angry

Answers:

1. c

2. b

3. c

4. b

5. c

Reading Comprehension 9

 

     He arose in dismay, “What! How is that? It is not possible.”

 

     And they looked in the folds of the dress, in the folds of the cloak, in the pockets, everywhere. They could not find it.

 

     He asked, “You are sure you still had it when we left the Minister’s house?”

 

      “Yes, I felt it as we came out.”

 

     “But if you had lost it in the street, we should have heard it fall. It must be in the cab.”

 

     “Yes, it is possible. Did you take the number?”

 

     “No. And you, did you notice what it was?”

 

     “No.”

 

     They looked at each other, utterly cast down. Finally, Loisel dressed himself again.

 

     “I am going,” he said, “over the track where we went on foot to see if I can find it.”

 

     And he went. She remained in her evening gown, not having the force to go to bed.

 

     Toward seven o’clock, her husband returned. He had found nothing.

1. Where did Loisel decide to go after failing to find the necklace at home?
a) To his office
b) Back to the Minister’s house
c) Over the track where they had walked
d) To Mme Forestier’s home

2. What time did Loisel return home after searching for the necklace?
a) Five o’clock
b) Six o’clock
c) Seven o’clock
d) Eight o’clock

3. What does the couple’s search for the necklace show about their state of mind?
a) They were calm and patient
b) They were desperate and anxious
c) They were angry and blaming each other
d) They were indifferent and careless

4. Why did Mme Loisel remain in her evening gown all night?

a) She wanted to admire herself
b) She was too tired to change
c) She had no strength left because of worry
d) She was waiting for her husband to return

5. What quality of Loisel’s character is revealed when he immediately goes out to search for the lost necklace?
a) He is lazy but caring
b) He is responsible and supportive
c) He is careless and forgetful
d) He is selfish and rude

Answers:

1. c

2. c

3. b

4. c

5. b

Reading Comprehension 10

 

     He went to the police and to the cab offices and put an advertisement in the newspapers, offering a reward.

 

     She waited all day in a state of bewilderment before this frightful disaster. Loisel returned in the evening, his face pale; he had discovered nothing.

 

     He said, “Write to your friend that you have broken the necklace's clasp and that you will have it repaired. That will give us time.”

 

     She wrote as he dictated.

 

     At the end of a week, they had lost all hope. And Loisel, older by five years, declared, “We must replace this jewel.”

1. Where did Loisel go to search for the lost necklace?
a) To Mme Forestier’s house
b) To the Minister’s house and the police
c) To the police and cab offices
d) To the jewelry shop

2. What excuse did Loisel suggest that his wife should give to Mme Forestier?
a) That she had lost the necklace
b) That the necklace’s clasp was broken and it was being repaired
c) That she had misplaced it temporarily
d) That she had given it to be cleaned

3. What does Loisel’s decision to advertise a reward in the newspaper show about his character?
a) He was careless
b) He was hopeful and responsible
c) He was indifferent
d) He was impatient

4. What does the line “She waited all day in a state of bewilderment” suggest about Mme Loisel’s condition?
a) She was calm and relaxed
b) She was confused and anxious
c) She was angry and blaming her husband
d) She was confident about finding the necklace

5. What change is noticed in Loisel after a week of searching for the necklace?
a) He becomes hopeful
b) He grows careless
c) He appears older and more worried
d) He becomes angry with his wife

Answers:

1. c

2. b

3. b

4. b

5. c

Reading Comprehension 11

 

     In a shop in the Palais-Royal, they found a chaplet of diamonds, which seemed to them exactly like the one they had lost. It was valued at forty thousand francs. They could get it for thirty-six thousand.

 

     Loisel possessed eighteen thousand francs, which his father had left him. He borrowed the rest. He made ruinous promises, took money from usurers and the whole race of lenders. Then he went to get the new necklace, depositing on the merchant’s counter thirty-six thousand francs.

 

     When Mme Loisel took back the jewels to Mme Forestier, the latter said to her in a frigid tone, “You should have returned them to me sooner, for I might have needed them.”

 

     Mme Forestier did not open the jewel box as Mme Loisel feared she would. What would she think if she had to perceive the substitution? What should she say? Would she take her for a robber?

1. How much was the new diamond necklace valued at in the shop?
a) 18,000 francs
b) 30,000 francs
c) 36,000 francs

2. How did Loisel arrange the money to buy the new necklace?
a) He borrowed the full amount
b) He used his savings and borrowed the rest
c) He won a prize

3. What does the phrase “He made ruinous promises” suggest about Loisel’s actions?
a) He was overjoyed to spend money
b) He was careless about his debts
c) He agreed to borrow money under very difficult conditions

4. Why did Mme Loisel feel afraid when returning the necklace to Mme Forestier?
a) She feared being scolded for returning it late
b) She feared Mme Forestier would notice the replacement
c) She feared losing her friendship

5. What does Mme Forestier’s “frigid tone” reveal about her character at that moment?
a) She was angry and cold
b) She was sad and disappointed
c) She was surprised but kind

Answers:

1. d

2. b

3. c

4. b

5. a

Reading Comprehension 12

 

     Mme Loisel now knows the horrible life of necessity. She did her part, however, completely, heroically. It was necessary to pay this frightful debt. She would pay for it. They sent away the maid, and they changed their lodgings, and they rented some rooms in an attic.

 

     She learned the malicious work of a kitchen. She washed the dishes. She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and dishcloths, which she hung on the line to dry; she took down the refuse to the street each morning and brought up the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath. And, clothed like a woman of the people, she went to the grocer’s, the butcher’s, and the fruiterer’s, with her basket on her arm, shopping, haggling to the last sou of her miserable money.

 

     The husband worked evenings, putting the books of some merchants in order, and nights he often did copying at five sous a page. And this life lasted for ten years. At the end of ten years, they had restored all.

1. How long did it take the Loisels to repay their debt?
a) Five years
b) Eight years
c) Ten years

2. What kind of extra work did Mr Loisel do to earn money?
a) He worked as a cook
b) He worked as a bookseller
c) He did merchants’ accounts and copied pages at night

3. What does the phrase “the horrible life of necessity” mean in this context?
a) A life full of luxury
b) A life forced to work hard and live in poverty
c) A life filled with joy and success

4. What does Mme Loisel’s behaviour after losing the necklace reveal about her character?
a) She gave up easily and blamed others
b) She worked hard and faced her problems bravely
c) She avoided responsibility

5. What message about life can we learn from this part of the story?
a) One should always borrow more money to be happy
b) True happiness comes from wealth
c) Pride and desire for luxury can lead to suffering

Answers:

1. c

2. c

3. b

4. b

5. c

 

Reading Comprehension 13

     Mme Loisel seemed old now. She had become a robust and demanding woman, the crude woman of the poor household. Her hair was badly dressed, her skirts were awry, her hands red, and spoke in a loud tone and she washed the floors with large pails of water. But sometimes, when her husband was at the office, she would sit before the window and think of that evening party of former times, of that ball where she was so beautiful and flattered.

 

     How would it have been if she had not lost the necklace? Who knows? How singular is life, and how full of changes! How small a thing will ruin or save one!

1. How long did the Loisels take to repay their entire debt?
a) 5 years
b) 8 years
c) 10 years

2. What kind of extra work did Mr Loisel do?
a) He became a teacher
b) He copied documents and managed merchant accounts
c) He worked as a cook

3. What does the phrase “the horrible life of necessity” suggest about Mme Loisel’s situation?
a) She had to live a life of hard work and poverty
b) She was free from responsibilities
c) She enjoyed a simple, peaceful life

4. What quality of Mme Loisel is shown by her willingness to work hard to repay the debt?
a) Laziness
b) Determination and courage
c) Jealousy

5. What message does this part of the story give to the readers?
a) We should never work too hard
b) We should borrow money for luxuries
c) Pride and greed can bring misery

Answers:

1. c

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. c

Reading Comprehension 14

 

     One Sunday, as she was taking a walk in the Champs-Elysees to rid herself of the week's cares, she suddenly perceived a woman walking with a child. It was Mme Forestier, still young, still pretty, still attractive. Mme Loisel was affected. Should she speak to her? Yes, certainly. And now that she had paid, she would tell her all. Why not?

 

     She went to see her. “Good morning, Jeanne.”

 

     Her friend did not recognise her and was astonished to be so familiarly addressed by this ordinary personage. She stammered, “But, Madame—I do not know—you must be mistaken—”

 

     “No, I am Matilda Loisel.”

 

     Her friend uttered a cry of astonishment, “Oh! my poor Matilda! How you have changed!”

 

     “Yes, I have had some hard days since I saw you; and some miserable ones—and all because of you ...”

1. Where did Mme Loisel meet Mme Forestier again after many years?
a) At the marketplace
b) At a theatre
c) In the Champs-Elysees
d) Near her home

2. What was Mme Forestier doing when Mme Loisel saw her?
a) Walking with a friend
b) Shopping for jewellery
c) Walking with a child
d) Talking to her husband

3. Why did Mme Loisel decide to speak to Mme Forestier?
a) She wanted to ask for more jewellery
b) She wanted to borrow money again
c) She wanted to tell her the truth now that the debt was repaid
d) She wanted to invite her to dinner

4. What does Mme Forestier’s reaction show when she fails to recognise Mme Loisel?
a) Mme Loisel had aged and suffered greatly
b) Mme Forestier had forgotten her friend
c) Mme Loisel was pretending to be someone else
d) Mme Forestier was angry with her

5. What feeling does Mme Loisel’s final statement—“and all because of you”—reveal?
a) Gratitude towards Mme Forestier
b) Regret and bitterness for her misfortune
c) Joy for meeting her old friend
d) Pride for her sacrifice

Answers:

1. c

2. c

3. c

4. a

5. b

 

Reading Comprehension 15

   

  “Because of me? How is that?”

 

     “You recall the diamond necklace you loaned me to wear to the Minister’s ball?”

 

     “Very well, yes.”

 

     “Well, I guess I blew it.”

 

     “How is that, since you returned it to me?”

 

     “I returned another to you exactly like it. And it has taken us ten years to pay for it. You can understand that it was not easy for those of us who have nothing. But it is finished, and I am decently content.”

 

     Mme Forestier stopped short. She said, “You say that you bought a diamond necklace to replace mine?”

 

     “Yes. You did not perceive it then? They were just alike.”

 

     And she smiled with pride and simple joy. Mme Forestier was touched and took both hands as she replied, “Oh! My poor Matilda! Mine was false. They were not worth over five hundred francs!”

1. How long did it take the Loisels to pay for the replacement necklace?
a) Five years
b) Ten years
c) Fifteen years
d) Twenty years

2. What was the actual value of Mme Forestier’s necklace?
a) 36,000 francs
b) 18,000 francs
c) 500 francs
d) 1,000 francs

3. What emotion did Mme Loisel feel when she told Mme Forestier that she had replaced the necklace?
a) Anger and hatred
b) Pride and relief
c) Jealousy and guilt
d) Fear and sadness

4. What is ironic about the ending of the story?
a) Mme Loisel lost the same necklace again
b) The expensive-looking necklace turned out to be fake
c) Mme Forestier never lent her any necklace
d) Mme Loisel became rich after the loss

5. What message does this conclusion of the story teach us?
a) Hard work always brings wealth
b) We should never trust our friends
c) Appearance can be deceptive and pride can lead to suffering
d) Expensive things bring true happiness

Answers:

1. b

2. c

3. b

4. b

5. c