Because Guy de Maupassant focuses his moral truth around Mathilde Loisel, her character and her interaction with other characters is of paramount importance to the development of theme. So, in order for her character to seem utterly selfish and materialistic, the other characters act as foils to Madame Loisel.
For instance, when she complains that she has no gown to wear to the ball for which her husband has so proudly handed her, he offers little resistance. And, although he has saved money for a new rifle, M. Loisel unselfishly gives her his savings for a new dress. When she tragically loses what she believes is a diamond necklace that she has borrowed from an old school friend, M. Loisel compassionately searches with her for this necklace; moreover he makes all the sacrifices in his life necessary for the replacement of the necklace, working extra hours, denying himself any luxuries. Nor does he question his wife if Mme Forestier's necklace was truly real or ask her why she has not told Mme Forestier of the loss.
Also contributing to the delusion of Mme. Loisel that the borrowed necklace is real is the fact that Mme. Forestier has not called upon Mme. Loisel and informed her that the necklace she has returned is not the same as the one lent to her. Perhaps because it is in the original case Mme. Forestier has not examined it. Nevertheless, her coldness and reproachfulness also contribute to the belief of Mme Loisel that she must work until she pays for the lost "diamond" necklace.
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