Question

Read the given extract and answer the following questions given below: 

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. (The Necklace)

1. How is “success” perceived by Matilda? 1
2. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 2
   ‘All the men noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be presented’ indicates that the men wanted to be formally ______ (introduced/withholden) to her.
3. Which of the following best describe Matilda’s state of mind in the context? 1
   1. overwhelmed
   2. anxious
   3. confused
   4. sad
4. Explain the phrase “this victory so complete and sweet to her heart”. 1

Answer 1

1. She sees “success” as public admiration and social triumph being the prettiest, noticed and courted by men, and accepted into the world of the wealthy. It’s an external, appearance-based victory that satisfies her desire for status and recognition.
2. ‘All the men noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be presented’ indicates that the men wanted to be formally introduced to her.
3. overwhelmed
4. The phrase “this victory so complete and sweet to her heart”.
   “Victory” equals the total success of winning admiration and social recognition; “so complete” emphasises that it fulfils her longing entirely; “sweet to her heart” shows the deep emotional pleasure and satisfaction she feels from that triumph. In short, the line says the admiration she receives is a perfect, deeply gratifying triumph for her.