We live always under the weight of the old and odious customs... Of our barbarous ancestors

We live always under the weight of the old and odious customs... Of our barbarous ancestors

Guy de Maupassant, a renowned French writer known for his realistic and often pessimistic portrayals of human nature, frequently explored the theme of the burden of tradition and the influence of the past on the present. In his works, Maupassant often depicted characters who were trapped by the old and odious customs of their ancestors, unable to break free from the constraints of tradition and societal expectations.

One of Maupassant's most famous works, "The Necklace," tells the story of a woman named Mathilde Loisel who is consumed by her desire to climb the social ladder and live a life of luxury and extravagance. Mathilde is constantly haunted by the weight of her family's modest background and feels trapped by the expectations of society. In her pursuit of wealth and status, Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend, only to lose it and spend the rest of her life paying off the debt incurred by replacing it. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and the consequences of being consumed by the desire to live up to the expectations of others.