How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
When Mme. Loisel took back the necklace to Mme. Forestier, the latter said, with an irritated air: –
"You ought to have brought it back sooner, for I might have needed it." (95-96)
It's interesting that Mme. Forestier reacts so snippily to having the necklace returned late. One would think that because she has so much, it wouldn't really matter when one particular piece of jewelry was returned. This could either mean that her wealth makes her more greedy with what she has or that she considers the necklace one of her best pieces of jewelry. Which is a little interesting, since we learn later that it's a fake…
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. They dismissed the servant; they changed their rooms; they took an attic under the roof. (98)
After losing the necklace, Mathilde now finds herself actually poor. Though she felt herself "poor" before, she was fairly comfortable, and middle class. Now her life is much harder.
Quote #9
The other did not recognize her, astonished to be hailed thus familiarly by this woman of the people. She hesitated –
"But – madam – I don't know – are you not making a mistake?" (111-112)
Mme. Forestier and Mathilde are now greatly separated by their wealth, which translates into social class. The class difference is so big that it seems improper for Mathilde to even address Mme. Forestier by her first name. Their classes are also immediately apparent from the way they look.