JKBOSE 10th Class English Solutions chapter – 1 The Necklace
JKBOSE 10th Class English Solutions chapter – 1 The Necklace
JKBOSE 10th Class English Solutions chapter – 1 The Necklace
Jammu & Kashmir State Board JKBOSE 10th Class English Solutions
J&K class 10th English The Necklace Textbook Questions and Answers
The Necklace Summary in English
Matilda is a pretty girl, Unfortunately, she is born in a poor family of clerks. She always dreams of having things of luxury, She wants to he loved and admired. But she has no means to satisfy her desires. She has to marry a small clerk. She remains very unhappy. She keeps grumbling about the poverty of her house and clothes. Once her husband brings her an invitation to a big party. Matilda borrows a diamond necklace from a rich friend of hers. She wants to wear it for the party, Unfortunately, she loses the necklace. She has to buy another one to give it to her friend. Her husband has to borrow lots of money for it. The necklace costs them 36,000 francs. It takes them ten long years to return the loan with interest. Now Matilda has to live a hard life of poverty. All her beauty is gone. One day, she meets her old friend. The friend still looks quite young. But Matilda is so changed. Her friend can’t recognise her. Matilda tells her all about the lost necklace. The friend feels shocked. She tells Matilda that her necklace was a false one. It was not worth more than 500 francs.
The Necklace Summary in English
कहानी का संक्षिप्त सार
मटिल्डा एक सुन्दर लड़की है दुर्भाग्यवश उसका जन्म क्लकों के एक ग़रीब परिवार में होता है । वह सदा ऐश्वर्य वाली चीजें प्राप्त करने के स्वप्न लेती रहती है। वह चाहती है कि लोग उससे प्यार करें और उसकी प्रशंसा करें। किन्तु उसके पास अपनी इच्छाओं को सन्तुष्ट करने का कोई साधन नहीं है। उसे एक छोटे से क्लर्क से विवाह करना पड़ता है। वह बहुत अप्रसन्न रहती है। वह अपने घर और अपने वस्त्रों की ग़रीबी के बारे में सदा बड़बड़ाती रहती है। एक बार उसका पति उसे एक बड़ी पार्टी पर जाने का निमन्त्रण-पत्र लाकर देता है। मटिल्डा अपनी एक अमीर सहेली से हीरों का एक हार उधार ले लेती है। वह इसे पार्टी के लिए पहनना चाहती है। दुर्भाग्यवश वह हार खो बैठती है। उसे अपनी सहेली को लौटाने के लिए एक दूसरा हार खरीदना पड़ता है। उसके पति को इसके लिए ढेरों पैसे उधार लेने पड़ते हैं। हार उन्हें 36,000 फ्रैंक में पड़ता है। उन्हें ब्याज सहित उधार चुकता करने में दस लम्बे वर्षों का समय लग जाता है। अब मटिल्डा को ग़रीबी का एक कठिन जीवन बिताना पड़ता है। उसकी सब सुन्दरता चली जाती है। एक दिन वह अपनी पुरानी सहेली से मिलती है। सहेली अब भी बहुत जवान प्रतीत होती है। किन्तु मटिल्डा बहुत बदल गई होती है। उसकी सहेली उसे पहचान नहीं पाती है। मटिल्डा उसे खोए गए हार के बारे में सब बता देती है। सहेली स्तब्ध रह जाती है। वह कहती है कि उसका हार तो नकली था। इसकी कीमत 500 फ्रैंक से ज्यादा नहीं थी ।
कठिन शब्दार्थ तथा संपूर्ण कहानी का हिन्दी अनुवाद
She was one of those pretty, young ladies, born as if through an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. She had becoming known, loved and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. She was simple, but she was unhappy.
She suffered incessantly, feeling herself born for all delicacies and luxuries. She suffered from the poverty of her apartment, the shabby walls and the worn chairs. All these things tortured and angered her.
When she seated herself for dinner opposite her husband who uncovered the tureen with a delighted air, saying. “Oh ! The good potpie ! I know nothing better than that…..” she would think of elegant dinners of shining silver; she thought of the exquisite food served in marvellous dishes. She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things.
She had a rich friend, a schoolmate at the convent, who she did not like to visit because she suffered so much when she returned. She wept for whole day from despair and disappointment.
One evening her husband returned elated bearing in his hand a large envelope.
“Here,” he said, “here is something for you.”
She quickly drew out a printed card on which were inscribed these words:
The Minister of Public Instruction and Madame George Ramponneau ask the honour of M. and Mme Loisel’s company. Monday Evening January 18, at the Minister’s residence.
Instead of being delighted as her husband had hoped, she threw the invitation spitefully upon the table murmuring, “What do you suppose I want with that ?”
“But my dearie, I thought it would make you happy. You never go out and this is an occasion and a fine one ! Everybody | wishes one and it is very select; not many are given to employees. You will see the whole official world there.”
She looked at him with an irritated eye and declared impatiently, “What do you suppose I have to wear to such a thing as that ?”
He had not thought of that; he stammered, “Why, the dress you wear when we go to the theatre. It seems very pretty to me………. ” He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight of his wife, weeping. He stammered, “What is the matter ? What is the matter ?”
By a violent effort, she had controlled her vexation and responded in a calm voice, wiping her moist cheeks, “Nothing, only I have no dress and consequently I cannot go to this affair. Give your card to some collengue whose wife is better fitted out than I.”
He was grieved but answered, “Lot us see, Matilda. How much would a suitable costume cost, something that would serve for other occasions, something very simple ?”
She reflocted for some soconds thinking of a sum that she could ask for without bringing with it an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation from the economical clork. Finally she said, in a hesitating voice, “I cannot tell exactly, but it seems to me that four hundred francs ought to cover it.”
He turned a little pale, for he had saved just this sum to buy a gun that he might be able to join some hunting parties the next summer, with some friends who went to shoot larks on Sunday. Nevertheless he answered, “Very well. I will give you four hundred francs. But try to have a pretty dress.”
The day of the ball approached and Mme Loisel seemed sad, disturbed and anxious Nevertheless, her dress was nearly ready Her husband said to her one evening, “What is the matter with you? You have acted strangely for two or three days.”
And she responded, “I am vexed not to have a jewel, nothing to adorn myself with. I shall have such a poverty – stricken look. I would prefer not to go to this party.”
He replied, “You can wear some natural flowers. In this season, they look very chic. “
She was not convinced. “No,” she replied, “there is nothing more humiliating than to have a shabby air in the midst of rich women.”
Then her husband cried out, “How stupid we are ! Go and find your friend Mme Forestier and ask her to lend you her jewels.”
She uttered a cry of joy. “It is true !” she said. “I had not thought of that.”
The next day she took herself to her friend’s house and related her story of distress. Mme Forestier went to her closet, took out a large jewel case, brought it, opened it, and said, “Choose, my dear.”
She saw at first some bracelets, then a collar of pearls, then a Venetian cross of gold and jewels of admirable workmanship. She tried the jewels before the glass, hesitated, but could neither decide to take them nor leave them. Then she asked, “Have you nothing more ?”
“Why, yes. Look for yourself. I do not know what will please you.”
Suddenly she discovered, in a black satin box, a superb necklace of diamonds. Her hands trembled as she took it out. She placed it about her throat against her dress, and was ecstatic. Then she asked, in a hesitating voice, full of anxiety. “Could you lend me this? Only this?”
“Why, yes, certainly.”
She fell upon the neck of her friend, embraced her with passion, and then went away with her treasure.
The day of the ball arrived. Mme Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest of all – elegant, gracious, smiling and full of joy. All the men noticed her, asked her name, and wanted to be presented.
She danced with enthusiasm, intoxicated with pleasure, thinking of nothing but all this admiration, this victory so complete and sweet to her heart.
She went home around four o’clock in the morning. Her husband had been half asleep in one of the little salons since midnight, with three other gentlemen whose wives were enjoying themselves very much.
He threw around her shoulders the modest wraps that they had carried whose poverty clashed with the elegance of the ball costume. She wished to hurry away in order not to be noticed by the other women who were wrapping themselves in rich furs.
Loisel detained her. “Wait,” said he, “I am going to call a cab.”
But she would not listen and descended the steps rapidly. When they were in the street, they found no carriage; and they began to seek for one, hailing the coachmen whom they saw at a distance.
They walked along toward the river, hopeless and shivering. Finally, they found one of those old carriages that one sees in Paris after nightfall.
It took them as far as their door and they went wearily up to their apartment. It was all over for her. And on his part, he remembered that he would have to be at the office by ten o’clock.
She removed the wraps from her shoulders before the glass for a final view of herself in her glory. Suddenly she uttered a cry. Her necklace was not around her neck.
Loisel already half undressed, asked, “What is the matter ?”
She turned towards him excitedly, “I have .…..…… I have I no longer have Mme Forestier’s necklace.”
He arose in dismay, “What ! How is that? It is not possible.”
And they looked in the folds of the dress, in the folds of the cloak, in the pockets, everywhere. They could not find it.
He asked, “You are sure you still had it when we left the Minister’s house ?”
“Yes. I felt it as we came out.”
“But if you had lost it in the street, we should have heard it fall. It must be in the cab.”
“Yes, it is possible. Did you take the number ?”
“No. And you, did you notice what it was ?”
“No.”
They looked at each other utterly cast down. Finally Loisel dressed himself again.
“I am going.” he said, “over the track where we went on foot, to see if I can find it.”
And he went. She remained in her evening gown, not having the force to go to bed.
Toward seven o’clock her husband returned. He had found nothing. He went to the police and to the cab offices and put an advertisement in the newspapers, offering a reward.
She waited all day in a state of bewilderment before this frightful disaster. Loisel returned in the evening, his face pale; he had discovered nothing.
He said, “Write to your friend that you have broken the clasp of the necklace and that you will have it repaired. That will give us time.”
She wrote as he dictated.
At the end of a week, they had lost all hope. And Loisel, older by five years, declared, “We must replace this jewel.”
In a shop of the Palais Royal, they found a chaplet of diamonds, which seemed to them exactly like the one they had lost. It was valued forty thousand francs. They could get it for thirty-six thousand.
Loisel possessed eighteen thousand. francs, which his father had left him. He | borrowed the rest. He made ruinous promises, took money from usurers and the whole race of lenders. Then he went to get the necklace, depositing on the merchant’s counter thirty-six thousand francs.
When Mme Loisel took back the jewels to Mme Forestier, the latter said to her in a frigid tone, “You should have returned them to me sooner, for I might have needed them.”
Mme Forestier did not open the jewelbox as Mme Loisel feared she would. What would she think if she should perceive the substitution ? What should she say ? Would she take her for a robber ?
Mme Loisel now knew the horrible life of necessity. She did her part however, completely heroically. It was necessary to pay this frightful debt. She would pay it. They sent away the maid, they changed their lodgings; they rented some rooms in an attic.
She learned the odious work of a kitchen. She washed the dishes. She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and dishcloths, which she hung on the line to dry; she took down the refuse to the street each morning and brought up the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath. And, clothed like a woman of the people, she went to the grocer’s, the butcher’s and the fruiterer’s, with her basket on her arm, shopping, haggling to the last sou of her miserable money.
The husband worked evenings, putting the books of some merchants in order and nights he often did copying at five sous a page. And this life lasted for ten years. At the end of ten years, they had restored all.
Mme Loisel seemed old now. She had become a strong, hard woman, the crude woman of the poor household. Her hair badly dressed, her skirts awry, her hands red, she spoke in a loud tone, and washed the floors with large pails of water. But sometimes, when her husband was at the office, she would seat herself before the window and think of that evening party of former times, of that ball where she was so beautiful and so flattered.
How would it have been if she had not lost the necklace ? Who knows ? How singular is life, and how full of changes ! How small a thing will ruin or save one!
One Sunday as she was taking a walk in the Champs Elysees to rid herself of the cares of the week, she suddenly perceived a woman walking with a child. It was Mme Forestier, still young, still pretty, and still attractive. Mme Loisel was affected. Should she speak to her ?
Yes, certainly. And now that she had paid, she would tell her all. Why not ?
She approached her, “Good morning, Jeanne.”
Her friend did not recognise her and was astonished to be so familiarly addressed by this common personage. She stammered, “But, Madame – I do not know – you must be mistaken.”
“No, I am Matilda Loisel.
Her friend uttered a cry of astonishment, “Oh ! My poor Matilda ! How you have changed.”
“Yes, I have had some hard days since miserable ones and I saw you; and some all because of you …….”
“Because of me? How is that?”
“You recall the diamond necklace that you loaned me to wear to the Minister’s ball ?”
“Yes, very well.”
“Well, I lost it.”
“How is that, since you returned it to me ?”
“I returned another to you exactly like it. And it has taken us ten years to pay it. You can understand that it was not easy for us who had nothing. But it is finished and I am decently content.”
Mme Forestier stopped short. She said, “You say that you bought a diamond necklace to replace mine?”
“Yes, you did not perceive it then ? They were just alike.”
And she smiled with proud and simple joy. Mme Forestier was touched and took both her hands as she replied, “Oh ! My poor Matilda ! Mine were false. They were not worth over five hundred francs !”
वह उन सुन्दर और मोहक लड़कियों में से थी जो कई बार, मानो भाग्य की किसी ग़लती के द्वारा, क्लर्कों के परिवार में जन्म ले लेती हैं। उसके पास दहेज के रूप में ले कुछ ऐसा साधन नहीं था जिससे लोग उसे जानने लगें, प्यार करने लग अथवा कोई धनी और विशिष्ट व्यक्ति उससे विवाह कर ले. और इसलिए वह शिक्षा मन्त्रालय में लगे एक छोटे से क्लर्क के साथ विवाह करने को सहमत हो गई। वह साधारण थी, परन्तु वह बहुत दुःखी थी ।
वह निरन्तर रूप से पीड़ित रहती थी, ऐसा महसूस किया करती थी मानो उसका जन्म सभी तरह के स्वादिष्ट पदार्थों और ऐश्वर्य का आनन्द प्राप्त करने के लिए हुआ हो । वह दुःखी रहती – अपने रहने की जगह की दरिद्रता के कारण, दीवारों की भद्दी शक्ल के कारण और टूटी-फूटी कुर्सियों के कारण। वे सभी चीजें उसे यातना पहुंचाती थीं और उसे क्रोधित कर देती थीं।
जब वह भोजन करने बैठती, सामने की तरफ उसका पति बैठा होता, जो शोरबे वाली रकाबी का ढक्कन उठाता और मोहित हुए भाव से कहता, “वाह, कितना बढ़िया शोरबा ! मैंने तो इससे बढ़िया चीज़ कभी देखी ही नहीं ……….,” तो उस समय वह मज़ेदार दावतों के बारे में सोच रही होती, चांदी के चमकते हुए बर्तनों के बारे में सोच रही होती, वह उन स्वादिष्ट पकवानों के बारे में सोच रही होती जो शानदार प्लेटों में सजा कर परोसे गए होते। उसके पास न कोई बढ़िया पोशाक थी, न कोई आभूषण थे; कुछ भी नहीं था। और वह केवल इन्हीं चीज़ों से प्यार करती थी। उसकी एक सहेली थी, कॉनवेन्ट स्कूल में पुराने समय में की एक सहपाठिन, जो धनवान थी और जिसके पास वह अब जाना पसन्द नहीं करती थी क्योंकि लौटने के बाद उसे बहुत कष्ट महसूस हुआ करता था। वह दिन-भर निराशा और परेशानी के कारण रोती रहती थी ।
एक सायं उसका पति प्रफुल्ल मुद्रा में घर लौटा, और उसने अपने हाथ में एक बड़ा-सा लिफाफा पकड़ा हुआ था।
“यह लो, ” उसने कहा, “इसमें तुम्हारे लिए एक चीज़ है l”
उसने जल्दी से छपा हुआ कार्ड खींच कर बाहर निकाला जिस पर ये शब्द अंकित थे :
शिक्षामन्त्री और श्रीमती जार्जीज़ रेम्पानयु सोमवार, 18 जनवरी की सायं को मन्त्रालय के राजभवन में श्रीमान और श्रीमती लॉयज़ल की उपस्थिति का सम्मान प्राप्त करने की प्रार्थना करते हैं।
प्रसन्न होने की बजाए, जैसा कि उसके पति ने आशा की थी. उसने निमन्त्रण पत्र को घृणा सहित मेज़ पर फेंक दिया, धीमे स्वर में बोलते हुए कहा, “तुम क्या चाहते हो कि मैं इसका क्या करूं ?”
“किन्तु, मेरी प्रिय, मैंने तो सोचा था कि इससे तुम खुश हो जाओगी । तुम कभी बाहर तो जाती नहीं हो, और यह कितना बढ़िया अवसर है ! वहां हर कोई जाना चाहता है; बहुत गिने-चुने लोगों को बुलाया जाता है; ज़्यादा कर्मचारियों को निमन्त्रण पत्र नहीं दिए गए हैं। सारे अफसर लोग वहां पर होंगे।”
उसने खिन्न भाव से उसकी तरफ देखा, और अधीरतापूर्वक कहने लगी – “ और तुम क्या सोचते हो ऐसे अवसर पर मैं क्या पहनूंगी?”
यह बात तो उसने सोची नहीं थी; वह हकलाता हुआ बोला – “क्यों, वही पोशाक जिसे पहन कर तुम थियेटर जाती हो । मुझे तो बहुत अच्छी लगती है….” जब उसने अपनी पत्नी को रोते हुए देखा तो वह दुःख से घबरा गया और खामोश हो गया । वह हकलाता हुआ बोला, “क्या बात है ? क्या बात है ?”
बहुत प्रचंड यत्न से उसने अपने दुःख पर काबू पाया और और अपने गीले गालों को पोंछते हुए शान्त स्वर में उत्तर दिया – “कोई बात नहीं। केवल मेरे पास कोई पोशाक नहीं है, इसलिए मैं इस नृत्य सभा में नहीं जा सकती हूं। अपना निमन्त्रण – पत्र किसी सहकर्मी को दे दो जिसकी पत्नी के पास मेरी अपेक्षा बेहतर वेश-भूषा हो । “
वह दुःखी हो गया, फिर भी उसने उत्तर दिया, “आओ. थोड़ा सोचते हैं, मटिल्डा । इसमें कितने पैसे लग जाएंगे, उपयुक्त पोशाक बनवाने में जो तुम अन्य अवसरों पर भी पहन सको, कोई ऐसी चीज़ जो बहुत सादा-साधारण हो ?”
वह कुछ पल सोचती रही, अपना हिसाब किताब लगाती हुई और यह भी सोचती हुई कि वह कितने पैसों की मांग कर सकती थी जिससे वह किफ़ायती क्लर्क कहीं उसे तुरन्त इन्कार न कर दे और भयभीत हुआ चिल्ला न उठे । अन्त में उसने झिझकते हुए कहा, “मैं पूरा पूरा तो नहीं जानती, किन्तु मैं समझती हूं कि मैं चार सौ फ्रैंक से काम चला लूंगी।” “
वह थोड़ा पीला पड़ गया क्योंकि उसने बिल्कुल इतने ही पैसे एक बन्दूक खरीदने के लिए बचा कर रखे हुए थे, ताकि अगली ग्रीष्म ऋतु के दौरान थोड़ा शिकार मनोरंजन प्राप्त कर सके, कुछ मित्रों के साथ जो रविवार को पक्षियों का शिकार करने के लिए जाया करते थे। किन्तु उसने कह दिया – “ठीक है, मैं तुम्हें चार सौ फ्रैंक दे दूंगा । किन्तु तुम एक अच्छी पोशाक बनवाने की कोशिश करना । “
नृत्य-सभा का दिन समीप आ गया, और श्रीमती लॉयज़ल उदास, बेचैन और चिन्तित दिखलाई दे रही थी जबकि उसकी पोशाक लगभग तैयार थी । एक सायं उसके पति ने उससे कहा, “क्या बात है ? दो-तीन दिनों से तुम बहुत विचित्र व्यवहार कर रही हो । “
और उसने उत्तर दिया- “मुझे इस बात से दुःख हो रहा है कि मेरे पास एक भी ज़ेवर नहीं है, कुछ भी नहीं है जिससे मैं खुद को सजा सकूं। मैं दरिद्रता की मारी नज़र आऊंगी। मैं कुछ ऐसा सोचती हूं कि मुझे वहां बिल्कुल नहीं जाना चाहिए।”
वह बोला, “तुम ताज़ा फूल पहन सकती हो। इस मौसम में वे बड़े फैशन वाले लगते हैं । “
यह बात उसके मन को अच्छी न लगी। “नहीं, ” उसने उत्तर दिया, “अन्य औरतों के मध्य, जो धनी हों, दरिद्र नज़र आना – इससे बढ़ कर अपमान वाली कोई अन्य बात नहीं है। “
तभी उसका पति चिल्ला उठा, “हम कितने बुद्ध हैं ! जाओ और अपनी सहेली श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर को ढूंढ कर उसे मिलो, और उससे कहो कि तुम्हें कुछ आभूषण उधार दे दे।”
उसने खुशी-भरी चीख लगाई । “यह बात तो सत्य है ! मुझे इसका विचार ही नहीं आया था, वह बोली । “
अगले दिन वह अपनी सहेली के पास गई और उसे अपनी मुश्किल के बारे में बतलाया । श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर अपनी अलमारी के पास गई, वहां से आभूषणों वाला एक बड़ा बक्सा निकाला, इसे ले कर वापस आई, इसे खोला, और बोली, “प्रिय, चुन लो । “
सबसे पहले उसने कुछ कंगन देखे, फिर मोतियों का एक हार, फिर एक वीनसी करॉस, सोने के आभूषण, और बढ़िया कारीगरी वाले कीमती नगीने देखे । उसने दर्पण के सामने खड़े हो कर आभूषणों को पहन कर देखा, झिझकती रही, इस बात का निश्चय न कर पाई कि क्या उन्हें ले जाए अथवा छोड़ दे । फिर उसने पूछा, “क्या तुम्हारे पास कुछ और नहीं है ?”
“क्यों नहीं, हैं न, यह देखो । मुझे पता नहीं कि तुम्हें क्या पसन्द है। “
अचानक उसे एक काले साटनी बक्से में, हीरों का बना गज़ब का एक हार मिला। उसके हाथ कांपने लगे जब उसने इसे उठाया । उसने इसे अपनी गर्दन के गिर्द बांध कर देखा, अपनी पोशाक के ऊपर और भावातिरेक में खड़ी रही । फिर उसने पूछ लिया, झिझकते हुए, वेदना से भर कर, “क्या तुम मुझे यह उधार दे सकती हो ? केवल यही ?”
“अरे, हां, बिल्कुल ।”
वह उछल कर अपनी सहेली के गले लग गई, उसे कम कर गले से लगाया और फिर अपना खजाना लेकर वहां से चली गई।
नृत्य-सभा का दिन आ गया। श्रीमती लॉयजल बड़ी सफल रही। वह उन सभी से अधिक सुन्दर लग रही थी. सुन्दर, आकर्षक, मुस्कान से भरी, और खुशी में पागल। सभी पुरुषों की नज़रें उसकी तरफ थीं; वे उसका नाम पूछते, और उससे परिचय करवाए जाने की कोशिश करते।
वह मदहोश नाचती रही, खुशी में मदमस्त हुई, सबकुछ भुलाए हुए, सिवाए इस सारी प्रशांसा के, यह विजय जो उसके हृदय को कितनी सम्पूर्ण और मीठी लग रही थी l
वह प्रातः काल लगभग चार बजे घर लौटी। उसका पति आधी रात से सोया हुआ था, एक छोटे से बाहरी कक्ष में, तीन पुरुषों के साथ जिनकी पत्नियां बहुत मज़े का समय बिता रही थीं ।
पति ने उसके कन्धों पर वह शॉल डाल दी जो वे अपने साथ ले कर आए थे, जिसका हल्कापन उसकी नृत्य वाली सुन्दर पोशाक से मेल नहीं खा रहा था। वह वहां से बच निकलना चाहती थी ताकि अन्य औरतों का ध्यान इस तरफ न पड़े जिन्होंने स्वयम् को कीमती रोओं वाली शालों में ढका हुआ था।
लॉयज़ल ने उसे पकड़ कर पीछे रोक लिया। “प्रतीक्षा करो, ” वह बोला, “मैं जा कर कोई घोड़ा – गाड़ी बुला लाता हूं।”
किन्तु उसने उसकी बात न सुनी और जल्दी-जल्दी सीढ़ियों से नीचे उतर कर चली आई। जब वे गली में थे तो उन्हें कोई घोड़ा-गाड़ी न मिली; और वे किसी एक की तलाश करने लगे – गाड़ीवानों को आवाज़ें लगा कर पुकारते जिन्हें वे कुछ दूरी पर गुज़रते हुए देख लेते।
वे निराश हुए और सर्दी से कांपते हुए नदी के साथ-साथ चल दिए। आखिर उन्हें एक वैसी ही पुरानी बग्घी मिल गयी जैसी दिन छिपने के बाद पैरिस के अन्दर दिखाई देती है।
यह बग्घी उन्हें उनके दरवाजे तक ले गई, और वे थकेमांदे अपने कमरे तक पहुँचे। उस (मटिल्डा) के लिए अब सब समाप्त हो चुका था। और जहां तक लॉयज़ल की बात है, वह सोच रहा था कि उसे सुबह दस बजे मन्त्रालय में अवश्य पहुंचना होगा।
उसने दर्पण के सामने खड़े होकर अपने कन्धों से शॉल उतार दी, अपने आपको पूरी सुन्दरता में अन्तिम बार देखने के लिए। अचानक उसकी चीख निकल गई। अब उसकी गर्दन के गिर्द कंठहार नहीं था।
लॉयज़ल जो पहले ही अपने आधे वस्त्र उतार चुका था, पूछ उठा, “क्या हुआ है ?”
वह आवेश में उसकी तरफ मुड़ी । “मेरे पास…….. मेरे पास… मेरे पास अब श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर का कंठहार नहीं है । “
वह घबराहट से भर कर उठ खड़ा हुआ। क्या ! कैसे ? – ऐसा नहीं हो सकता।”
तथा उन्होंने उसकी पोशाक की तहों में, उसके चोगे की तहों में, उसकी जेबों में – सभी जगह देखा । उन्हें यह कहीं न मिला।
उसने पूछा – “क्या तुम्हें निश्चय है कि तुम ने इसे पहना हुआ था जब हम मन्त्री के घर से बाहर आए थे ?”
“हां, जब हम बाहर आए तो, मैंने इसे महसूस किया था। “
” किन्तु यदि तुमने इसे गली में खोया होता तो हमें इसके गिरने की आवाज़ आ जाती । यह अवश्य ही बग्घी में गिरा होगा ।”
“हां, हो सकता है। क्या तुम ने उसका नम्बर पढ़ा था ?”
“नहीं । और तुमने ? क्या तुमने देखा था कि नंबर क्या था ?”
“नहीं।”
वे एक-दूसरे की तरफ ऐसे देखने लगे मानो उन पर बिजली आ गिरी हो । आखिर लॉयज़ल ने दोबारा अपने वस्त्र पहन लिए ।
“मैं जाता हूँ,” उसने कहा, “वह पूरा रास्ता जो हमने पैदल तय किया है, और देखता हूँ शायद कहीं मिल जाए।”
और वह चला गया। वह (मटिल्डा) अपनी सायंकाल वाली पोशाक में ही बैठी रही। उसमें इतनी शक्ति नहीं थी कि बिस्तर पर जा कर लेट सकती।
उसका पति लगभग सात बजे वापस आया। उसे कुछ नहीं मिला था। वह पुलिस के पास गया और गाड़ी वालों के कार्यालयों में गया और समाचार पत्र में इनाम देने की पेशकश के साथ एक विज्ञापन भी दिया।
वह इस भयानक तबाही के कार्य से पहले परेशानी की स्थिति में सारा दिन प्रतीक्षा करती रही। लॉयज़ल शाम के समय लौट कर आया, एक पिचका हुआ पीला चेहरा लिए हुए; उसे कुछ पता नहीं चल पाया था ।
वह बोला, “तुम अपनी सहेली को लिख दो कि तुम से कंठहार का बकसुआ टूट गया है, और तुम इसकी मरम्मत करवा रही हो। इस से हमें कुछ सोचने का समय मिल जाएगा।”
उसने उसके लिखाए अनुसार लिख दिया ।
एक सप्ताह के पूरा होने पर वे सब आशाएं खो चुके थे। तथा लॉयज़ल जो पहले से पांच वर्ष अधिक बूढ़ा हो गया था, कहने लगा – “हमें इस आभूषण के बदले में दूसरा आभूषण देना होगा।”
उन्हें पैलेस रॉयल नामक मार्किट की एक दुकान में हीरों की एक माला मिल गई जो बिल्कुल वैसी ही लगती थी जो उनसे गुम हो गई थी । वह चालीस हज़ार फ्रैंक के मूल्य की थी । वे इसे छत्तीस हज़ार में प्राप्त कर सकते थे l
लॉयज़ल के पास अठारह हज़ार फ्रैंक थे जो उसका पिता उसके लिए छोड़ गया था। शेष राशि उसने उधार ले ली । विनाशकारी इकरार कर लिए, सूदखोरों और उधार देने वालों की पूरी जाति के साथ लेना-देना कर लिया । फिर वह नया कंठहार लेने पहुंच गया, व्यापारी के काउन्टर के ऊपर छत्तीस हज़ार फ्रैंक रखते हुए ।
जब श्रीमती लॉयज़ल श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर के पास कंठहार वापस ले कर गई तो उसने बहुत रूखे ढंग से उसे कहा “तुम्हें यह जल्दी लौटा देना चाहिए था, मुझे शायद इसकी ज़रूरत पड़ सकती थी । “
श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर ने डिब्बी को खोल कर न देखा, |जिस बात का श्रीमती लॉयज़ल को बहुत डर लगा हुआ था। यदि वह इस अदला-बदली को भांप जाती, तो वह क्या सोचती, क्या कहती ? क्या उसने उसे एक चोर नहीं समझ बैठना था ?
श्रीमती लॉयज़ल को अब ग़रीबी के भयानक जीवन का पता चल गया था। फिर भी उसने अपनी भूमिका वीरतापूर्वक निभाई। उस भयानक ऋण को चुकता करना ही होगा । वह इसे अवश्य चुकता करेगी। उन्होंने अपनी नौकरानी को जवाब दे दिया; उन्होंने अपना मकान बदल लिया; उन्होंने एक अटारी पर कुछ कमरे किराए पर ले लिए ।
उसने रसोई के घृणित कार्य को करना सीख लिया । वह बर्तन मांजती । वह गन्दी चादरों, अपने कपड़ों और बर्तन साफ़ करने वाले कपड़ों को धोती, जिन्हें फिर वह एक रस्सी के ऊपर डाल कर सुखाती; वह हर प्रातः कचरा लेकर नीचे गली में जाती, और ताज़ा पानी ऊपर ले कर लाती, सीढ़ी के प्रत्येक मोड़ पर सांस लेने के लिये रुकती हुई तथा साधारण लोगों की औरतों के जैसे वस्त्र पहने हुए वह पंसारी, कसाई और फल विक्रेता की दुकान पर जाती, अपनी बांह पर टोकरी लटकाए हुए – सौदेबाज़ी करती, अपने तुच्छ पैसों की एक-एक पाई की रक्षा करते हुए ।
उसका पति सायंकाल के समय (ओवरटाइम) काम किया करता, किसी व्यापारी के हिसाब किताब को साफ़| सुथरे ढंग से लिख दिया करता, और रात को देर तक वह प्रायः प्रति पृष्ठ पांच पैसों के हिसाब से हस्तलेखों की प्रतिलिपियां तैयार किया करता । तथा यह जीवन दस वर्ष तक चलता रहा। दस वर्षों के अन्त में वे हर चीज़, हर एक पैसा, चुकता कर चुके थे।
श्रीमती लॉयज़ल अब बूढ़ी दिखलाई देती थी। वह ग़रीबी के मारे घरों की औरत जैसी बन गई थी – कठोर, ठोस और सख्त । उसके बाल गन्दे, कमीज़ें बेढंगी और हाथ लाल रहते थे और वह बहुत ऊंचे स्वर में बोला करती और बड़ी-बड़ी बाल्टियों में पानी को भर कर फर्श धोया करती। किन्तु कई बार जब उसका पति दफ्तर गया होता तो वह खिड़की के पास बैठ जाया करती, और बहुत समय पूर्व की उस खुशी-भरी शाम के बारे में सोचा करती, उस नृत्य-सभा के बारे में, जहां वह इतनी सुन्दर लग रही थी और जहां उसकी इतनी प्रशंसा हुई थी ।
क्या हुआ होता यदि उससे वह कंठहार न खोया होता ? कौन जान सकता है ? जीवन कितना अजीब और परिवर्तनशील है ! कितनी छोटी-सी चीज़ की ज़रूरत होती है – हमें डुबोने के लिए या बचाने के लिए।
एक रविवार को जब वह सप्ताह भर के कठिन परिश्रम के बाद स्वयम् को फिर से ताज़ा करने के लिए चेम्पस् इलिसीज़ में टहलने के लिए गई हुई थी तो उसे अचानक एक औरत दिखलाई दी जो एक बच्चे के साथ जा रही थी। यह श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर थी, अब भी जवान, अब भी सुन्दर और अब भी आकर्षक । श्रीमती लॉयज़ल भावुक हो उठी। क्या उसे जा कर उसके साथ बात करनी चाहिए ?
हां, निश्चय ही। अब जबकि वह भुगतान कर चुकी थी, वह अवश्य उसे इस सब के बारे में बतलाएगी। क्यों न बतलाए ?
वह उसके पास गई । “गुड मार्निग, जीन्नि ।”
उसकी सहेली ने उसे पहचाना नहीं और उस साधारण औरत के द्वारा अति परिचित ढंग से सम्बोधित किए जाने पर वह चकित रह गई । वह हकलाते हुए बोली, “किन्तु – मैडम ! – मुझे पता नहीं आपको अवश्य गलती लगी होगी।”
“नहीं। मैं मटिल्डा लॉयज़ल हं ।”
उसकी सहेली आश्चर्य से चीख पड़ी। “ओह मेरी बेचारी मटिल्डा ! तुम कितनी बदल गई हो । “
“हां, मुझे कठिन दिन बिताने पड़े हैं, तब से जब से मैं तुम्हें मिली थी, बहुत ही कष्ट-भरे दिन – और सब तुम्हारी वजह से ……….”
“मेरी वजह से ? ऐसा कैसे ?”
“क्या तुम्हें वह हीरों वाला कंठहार याद है जो तुमने मुझे मन्त्री की नृत्य – सभा में पहनने के लिए उधार दिया था ?”
“हां ! बहुत अच्छी तरह से याद है । “
“वह हार मुझ से खो गया था । “
” ऐसा कैसे हो सकता है क्योंकि तुम तो उसे मुझे लौटा गई थी ?”
“मैंने तुम्हें एक दूसरा ला दिया था, बिल्कुल उसी के जैसा । और उसकी कीमत चुकाने में हमें दस वर्ष लग गए। तुम समझ सकती हो कि यह हमारे लिए आसान नहीं था, हम जिनके पास कुछ भी नहीं था । अन्ततः यह सब समाप्त हो चुका है, और मैं पूर्णतया सन्तुष्ट हूं।”
श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर हैरान रह गई । वह बोली, “तुम कहती हो तुम ने मेरा हार लौटाने के लिए हीरों का हार खरीदा था ?”
“हां, तब तुमने इसे ध्यान से नहीं देखा था ? वे बहुत मिलते-जुलते थे।”
तथा वह एक ऐसी खुशी के साथ मुस्करा दी जिसमें गर्व और सादगी दोनों भरे हुए थे । श्रीमती फोरेस्टीअर, जो अत्यन्त द्रवित हो उठी थी, ने उसके दोनों हाथ अपने हाथों में ले लिए और बोली, “ओह, मेरी बेचारी मटिल्डा ! मेरे हीरे तो नकली थे । उनका मूल्य पांच सौ फ्रैंक से अधिक नहीं था ! “
TEXTUAL QUESTIONS
Thinking about the Text :
Q. 1. The course of the Loisels’ life changes due to the necklace. Comment.
Ans. Loisels had to borrow money at very high rate of interest to replace the lost necklace. It changed the entire course of their life. They had to live a hard life of poverty. They changed their lodgings. They sent away the maid. Matilda had to do all the household work herself. She had to live like a poor woman. Loisel did overtime for some merchants. This continued for ten long years. At last, they cleared all their debts. Matilda now looked an old woman of a poor family.
Q. 2. What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin? How could she have avoided it ?
Ans. Mrs. Matilda Loisel was a pretty woman. But she was born in a poor family, She always desired to have things of luxury. She thought she was born to live a life of luxury. She wanted to be loved and admired. She wanted to move in rich society. But she couldn’t find any rich man to marry her. She had to marry a small clerk. She was not happy with him. She had to live in a simple house. She had to wear simple clothes. She didn’t have any costly furniture or curtains. She didn’t have any jewels to wear. All this troubled her always and she remained unhappy. Matilda always longed to have things of luxury. That was the real cause of her ruin. She should have known that one should cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth. Thus she could avoid her ruin.
Q. 3. What could have happened to Matilda if she had confessed to her friend that she had lost the necklace ?
Ans. Matilda would have been saved from ruin if she had confessed the loss. The lost necklace was worth only 500 francs. She could easily buy another in its place. And perhaps, the rich friend might not have minded the loss altogether.
Q. 4. If you are caught in a situation like this, how will you deal with it?
Ans. If I were caught in a situation like this, I would go straight to Madam Forestier and relate plainly all that had happened. Thus everything could have been settled to her satisfaction and much of the trouble could have been saved.
Q. 5. Draw a character-sketch of Matilda.
Ans. Matilda was a pretty woman. But she was born in a poor family. She always desired to have things of luxury. She thought she was born to live a life of luxury. She wanted to be loved and admired. She wanted to move in rich society. But she couldn’t find any rich man to marry her. She had to marry a small clerk. She was not happy with him. She had to live in a simple house. She had to wear simple clothes. She didn’t have any costly furniture or curtains. She didn’t have any jewels to wear. All this troubled her always and she remained unhappy.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
(Short-Essay Type)
Q. 1. What did Loisel bring home one evening? How did Matilda react to it?
Ans. Loisel worked as a clerk in the office of the Board of Education. The Education Minister was going to hold a party. Not many invitations were given to clerks. But Loisel was able to get one with a great difficulty. He was certain that his wife would be pleased to have it. But Matilda showed no happiness at all. She threw the invitation on the table. She said she had no suitable dress for the occasion. Loisel asked her how much a suitable dress would cost. She thought for some time. Then she said that it could cost around 400 francs. Loisel had saved this much money to buy a hunting gun for himself. He agreed to give it to Matilda for her new dress.
Q. 2. How did Matilda get the jewel to wear at the ball ?
Ans. Matilda had a rich friend. Her name was Mrs Forestier. Matilda’s husband suggested that she should go to Forestier. She could borrow from her some jewel for the party. Matilda liked this idea. She went to Forestier’s house. She told her about her problem. Forestier at once went to her closet. She brought out a large box. It was a jewel-box. She opened it. There were a number of jewels in it. Forestier asked Matilda to choose any she liked. Matilda stood before the mirror. She tried one jewel after the other. At last, she chose one lovely diamond necklace. She took the necklace and went back home.
Q. 3. What happened at the ball? Was Matilda’s dream fulfilled ? What spoiled her pleasure ?
Ans. At the ball, Matilda was a great success. She looked the prettiest of all. She was full of joy. There were smiles on her face. All men noticed her. They asked her name. They wanted to talk to her. This was what Matilda had always desired. Thus her dream was fulfilled. But her joy was short-lived. She came back home after the party. She stood before the mirror to look at herself. Suddenly she gave a cry. Her necklace was not around her neck. She had lost it somewhere. All her joy was gone.
Q. 4. What did the Loisels do to replace the necklace ? What changes came into their lives after this ?
Ans. The Loisels had to buy another necklace to replace the lost one. They had to spend 36,000 francs on it. Loisel had only 18,000 francs with him. He had to borrow the rest at a very high rate of interest. Now a great change came in the Loisels’ life. They had to live a hard life of poverty. They changed their lodgings. They sent away the maid. Matilda had to do all the household work herself. She had to live like a poor woman. Loisel did overtime for some merchants. This continued for ten long years. At last, they cleared all their debts. Matilda now looked an old woman of a poor family.
Q.5. The course of the Loisels’ life changed due to the necklace. Comment.
Or
What did the Loisels do to replace the necklace ? What changes came into their lives after this?
Ans. Both Loisel and his wife had to suffer terribly due to the loss of the necklace. They had to buy another necklace to replace the lost one. They had to spend 36,000 francs on it. Loisel had only 18,000 francs with him. He had to borrow the rest at very high rate of interest. Now a great change came in the life of the Loisels. They had to live a hard life of poverty. They changed their lodgings. They sent away the maid. Matilda had to do all the household work herself. She had to live like a poor woman. Loisel did overtime for some merchants. This continued for ten long years. At last, they cleared all their debts. Matilda now looked an old woman of a poor family.
Q. 6. What is the theme of the story, ‘The Necklace’?
Or
Comment upon the major theme of ‘The Necklace’.
Ans. The theme of the story centres round the idea that we should be content with what life gives us. When we have not what we like, we must like what we have. Such an attitude towards life drives away all worries and blesses us with permanent joy. Our happiness does not depend upon the number of material things we have. It depends upon our capacity to limit our desires. The fewer our desires are, the happier we shall be. Matilda forgets this simple fact and makes her life a tale of misery. She belonged to a poor family. But she always longed to have things of luxury. That proved to be the cause of her ruin. She should have known that one should cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth. Thus she could avoid the ruin of her life and all her happiness.
Language Work :
1. These are the notes about starting a new hobby in Gestalt Public School, Read them and complete the information given below.
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NOTES
New Club : The Caravan.
Aim : Understanding and enjoying nature.
Activities : Fortnightly hiking trips or expeditions
to neighbouring woods, hills, countryside.
Membership : Classes IX to XII.
Preliminary discussion in Common Room on August 20th after school hours, interested students can sign up.
Permission granted by the Principal.
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The school is planning (a) …………… The aim of the club will be (b) ……………. and the activities will include (c) ………….. . Membership of the new club will be open only to students of classes IX to XII. (d) ……………. on August 20th at 2.30 p.m. Interested students are welcome (e) ……………… .
The Principal has granted permission for the new club.
Ans. (a) to start a new hobby club.
(b) to make students understand and enjoy nature.
(c) fortnightly hiking trips or expeditions to neighbouring woods, hills, countryside.
(d) Preliminary discussion will be held in the Common Room.
(e) to sign up for the discussion.
2. Make notes from the following news report:
In an unprecedented space tragedy, ……… to be good for 100 flights.
Notes:
1. Horrible space tragedy — 1st Feb., 2003.
2. US space shuttle Columbia — broke apart in flames.
went up 16 Jan., 2003 from
Kennedy Space Centre
3. Streaking over Texas — heading towards landing place.
4. Indian born American — and six others killed.
Kalpana Chawla
5. Stayed in orbit for 16 days — conducted 80 experiments.
6. Columbia’s 20th space flight — believed to be good for 100 flights.
3. On the basis of notes given on page 115 of the textbook, develop a paragraph of about 100-150 words:
The Bactrian Camel
The Bactrian camel (Camelus Bactrianus) is found in the grasslands, valleys and mountainous areas of Ladakh. It is a herbivore. It likes to eat grass, leaves and shrubs. It also onts dry vegetation and salt bush, avoided by other mammals. Its life span is 40 years. It is 10 feet long and 7 feet in height. It weighs 1500 pounds. Its coat is light to dark brown. There are thin manes on its chin, shoulder, hind legs and humps. The summer coat is shorter than the winter coat. Snowshoe effect helps the animal to walk comfortably without sinking in the sand. It has two humps that contain about 36 kgs of fat, which is used by the animal when food is scarce. The animal is a victim to poaching. The number of animals is decreasing and it is becoming an endangered species.
Writing Work:
Q. 1. What are the things that are important to you to make you happy in life ?
Ans. Happiness is a state of mind. The attainment of this state depends upon different things for different persons. Some derive happiness from money. Some get it from having more and more of land. Others get it from travel and adventure; and so on. But all these kinds of happiness depend upon some outer material object. They can last only as long as the outer objects last. So they can’t be permanent in nature. My idea of a happy life is a continuous state of happiness. Such a state can never be achieved by running after material things. It can be achieved by limiting one’s desires, rather than trying to satisfy them. A contented person is the happiest man on this earth. His desires are few, and he is satisfied with whatever he has. He knows how to do without a thing that he doesn’t have or can’t have. He does not grumble over his fate, nor does he find fault with his circumstances. Such a person su ly wins divine happiness for himself.
Q. 2. Write a short paragraph on We Should Be Content With What Life Gives Us’. You may write for or against the given topic.
Ans. Contentment is a state of mind. It means being satisfied with what one has, not wanting more. It is the surest way to happiness. When we have not what we like, we must like what we have. Such an attitude towards life drives away all worries and blesses us with permanent joy. Our happiness does not depend upon the number of material things we have. It depends upon our capacity to limit our desires. The fewer our desires are, the happier we shall be. The present-day world is caught in an unending rat race. Everybody is running feverishly after wealth. The result is untold mental tension. There is no peace of mind. The more we have, the less satisfied we are. We shall have to stop this mad race if we want to lead a happy life. Only a contented life is a truly happy life. In the words of Socrates: “Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial prosperity.”
PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION
PASSAGE 1
When she seated herself for dinner opposite her husband who uncovered the tureen with a delighted air saying, “Oh! The good potpie! I know nothing better than that…..” she would think of elegant dinners of shining silver; she thought of the exquisite food served in marvellous dishes. She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things.
Questions
1. Where did she seat herself for dinner ?
2. How did her husband uncover the turren ?
3. She would think of the …………. in marvellous dishes.
4. She has …………. frocks nor jewels.
5. Give the antonyms of the following:
uncovered, good, shining, love.
Answers
1. She seated herself for dinner opposite her husband.
2. Her husband uncovered the tureen with a delighted air.
3. exquisite food served
4. neither
5. covered, bad, dull, hate.
PASSAGE 2
She learned the odious work of a kitchen. She washed the dishes. She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and dishcloths, which she hung on the line to dry; she took down the refuse to the street each morning and brought up the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath. And, clothed like a woman of the people, she went to the grocer’s, the butcher’s and the fruiterer’s with her basket on her arm, shopping, haggling to the last sou of her miserable money.
Questions
1. What did she learn?
2. What did she wash !
3. She took down the refuse …………… .
4. She was clothed …………….. .
5. Give the antonyms of the following:
learned, up, stop, last.
Answers
1. She learned the odions work of a kitchen.
2. She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and dishcloths.
3. to the street in the morning
4. like a woman of people.
5. forgot, down, start, first.
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