Footprints without Feet - Class IX
Reprint 2025-26
This classic short story by Guy de Maupassant explores themes of materialism, vanity, and irony. It tells the story of Madame Loisel, a woman who feels she was born for luxury but is trapped in a middle-class life. A borrowed necklace changes her life in ways she could never have imagined.
In this interactive lesson, you'll explore the story, analyze its themes, and engage with activities that help you understand the consequences of vanity and deception, as well as appreciate the ironic twist that makes this one of the most famous short stories in world literature.
Before we read the story, let's think about the importance people place on appearances and material possessions.
In "The Necklace," the main character values luxuries and social status above all else. She believes that external appearances determine one's value in society.
Think about these questions and discuss them with a partner:
1. How important are appearances in today's society? Do people often judge others based on their possessions or social status?
2. Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to make sacrifices to get it? Was it worth it in the end?
3. What are some examples from real life where people pretend to be something they are not? What are the potential consequences?
Read these sentences from the story:
"They had once taken Tommy's teacher away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely."
Now, let's practice using some important vocabulary from "The Necklace".
1. The plans for the new building were , costing the company far more than they could afford.
2. She received his apology with a tone, clearly showing she was still upset.
3. The baby cried throughout the night, leaving the parents exhausted.
4. He refused to attend the party just to upset his sister.
5. The children were when they heard they were going to the amusement park.
Let's think about how different choices could have changed the outcome in "The Necklace."
Complete these conditional sentences about the story.
1. If Matilda had not lost the necklace,
2. If Matilda had told Mme Forestier about losing the necklace,
3. If the Loisels had not replaced the necklace with a real diamond one,
4. If Mme Forestier had told Matilda the necklace was fake,
5. If Matilda had been content with her life,