How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
At the end of a week they had lost all hope. And Loisel, aged by five years, declared: –
"We must see how we can replace those jewels." (86-87)
Why does it never occur to Mathilde or M. Loisel to tell Mme. Forestier they've lost the necklace? Instead, once they lose hope of finding it, M. Loisel decides the only solution is to buy a new one. Is he too proud to admit that it's been lost? Or is it something else? (See M. Loisel's "Character Analysis" for more of our thoughts on this.)
Quote #8
Mme. Loisel learned the horrible life of the needy. She made the best of it, moreover, frankly, heroically. The frightful debt must be paid. She would pay it. (98)
When Mathilde becomes poor, she is forced to work. Getting down to work and paying off the debts seems to make her proud in a new way. She can be proud of her hard work, and of her endurance. Meanwhile, her looks – which used to be her pride and joy – start to disappear.
Quote #9
"I brought you back another just like it. And now for ten years we have been paying for it. You will understand that it was not easy for us, who had nothing. At last, it is done, and I am mighty glad." (122)
Mathilde is proud of all the work and suffering she and her husband have put into repaying for the necklace. It was an honorable and difficult thing to do. But they've succeeded.