Both stories do indeed use third-person narration, but
both stories also allow the reader to see the thoughts and dreams of the main
characters.
In 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' we are
given details of his dull monotonous day as he runs errands for his wife. However, we
get absorbed by Walter's dreams and become involved in the excitement and drama of his
imagination.
In 'The Necklace' we are given insight into
Madame Loisel's poor past and we see her at the ball in a dream of her own, as she is
admired as much as the necklace she has borrowed for the occasion. Both are of course
fake: the necklace which forces Madame Loisel into greater provery is artificial as are
her pretensions to be part of a society to which she does not belong. The dream is
captivating but destructive.
Similarly, Waqlter's dreams
serve to show us his insecurities and weaknesses. In the real world he is a poor driver
- in his dreams an accomplished pilot. In his dreams Walter is a celebrated surgeon, in
reality his wife nags about his health-
She looked at him. "I'm going to take your
temperature when I get you home," she
said.
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