Description
This reading comprehension guide for the short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant helps students analyze vocabulary, conflict, irony, theme, and character motivation while engaging with one of the most memorable twist endings in classic literature. Through Mathilde’s experience, students explore the powerful message about gratitude, pride, and the difference between appearance and reality, making this story especially rich for discussion and analysis.
Before reading, students complete an activating strategy and a journal prompt designed to build personal connections and activate prior knowledge related to wealth, ambition, and social status. As students read, they work with academic vocabulary supported by a PowerPoint presentation and respond to reading comprehension questions that guide understanding of plot and character development.
After reading, students deepen their analysis using a theme analysis graphic organizer and a summarizing strategy that reinforces comprehension and clarity of thought. All activities are supported with complete answer keys, making this resource easy to implement and assess.
Please read: There are multiple versions of “The Necklace” in circulation. The questions in this resource align with most editions of the story; however, vocabulary may vary slightly. The full text of the version used in this lesson is included, and viewing the product preview is recommended to ensure compatibility with your edition.
This lesson is well suited for middle school or high school ELA and works especially well in units focused on irony, theme, character development, and classic short stories.