Thesis: for mini research essay.

Can We Judge a Book by Its Cover? 

Through the different forms of writing, we can develop an idea of the characters, their likes, dislikes and characteristics.  Most of the time when reading, a character’s characteristics is not automatically written, in fact it is assumed by the information given; and/or throughout other characters’ thoughts, or perspectives about a person.  Information about a person is acquired by a reader through a character’s actions, especially in both  Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” and Kate Chopin’s “Desiree’s Baby”.  In both short stories, as readers we can develop an idea of the character’s characteristics, thoughts, and actions.  In “The Necklace” we know Madame Loisel’s interests and thoughts by what the narrator tells us about her, and by her actions as well. Madame Loisel is Beautiful, materialistic, selfish, ambitious etc.. And is evident because of her thoughts and actions.  Desiree from “Desiree’s Baby” is beautiful, unlike Madame Loisel Desiree is not selfish, or egocentric, she also is not materialistic and she does not have high expectations; she is more carefree and it is visible through her actions.  That is the joy of reading, as readers we can make assumptions about a certain character but it all depends on the perspective in which the story is being told.  A reader cannot jump to conclusions or judge a character until actually reading the whole story, because not everyone is who or what they appear to be; which is seen throughout both stories.