In “The Necklace,” Mathilde’s use of descriptive language reflects Raymond Carver’s idea of giving commonplace objects immense power through precise expression. Mathilde, consumed by her longing for wealth and status, transforms ordinary items into symbols of grandeur. She describes a setting “lit by torches in lofty bronze sockets.” This imagery elevates the mundane, creating a vision of opulence and romance. The choice of “bronze” over simpler materials like pewter or silver conveys a sense of warmth and richness, while the torches’ flickering light creates an intimate, almost regal ambiance. These details reveal Mathilde’s yearning for a world beyond her reach, where beauty and luxury dominate. By romanticizing such objects, Mathilde projects her desires onto them, showing how her aspirations distort her perception of reality. This precise language not only enhances the narrative but also stresses Mathilde’s inner conflict and longing.
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3 thoughts on “Nada Abushami Discussion Board 13”
I really like the words you chose to describe the setting, especially since it was solely based on the brief description of the torches. Being able to sense things like “opulence and romance” from something as minuscule as a torch’s socket really speaks volumes about Mathilde’s use of “commonplace but precise” language. Even something seemingly unimportant, like the choice of bronze over different metals, is able to paint such an elaborate picture in the minds of readers.
Hey Nan, I always enjoy reading your postings. Your writing also reminds me of being precise, detailed and right to the point. Nevertheless, I admire how you described each word you chose from the short story and broke down the imagery so we can know/understand the writers perspective. Furthermore, I appreciate how you gave clear examples from the short story to support Carver’s idea of the type of writing he likes and how he respects the care in a great story or poem.
Nan, it’s true that even descriptions of the more elegant details in “The Necklace” use precise and commonplace language. It’s interesting what you write about the use of the word “bronze.” It’s so true that it conveys a very specific feeling of richness that another word would not. Great observations.