How does Monsieur Loisel's character contrast with Matilda's character throughout the story?
Options
He is content with his modest life and selflessly sacrifices his own desires and savings to please his wife.
He is highly ambitious and constantly pushes Matilda to seek a higher social standing to boost his own career.
He is resentful of Matilda's high aspirations and openly berates her for her greed.
He is completely indifferent to Matilda's unhappiness and focuses solely on his work at the Ministry.
Explanation
The correct option is 'He is content with his modest life and selflessly sacrifices his own desires and savings to please his wife.' Monsieur Loisel represents contentment and practicality; he is delighted by a simple pot-au-feu and secures an exclusive invitation to please his wife. He selflessly gives her 400 francs (which he had saved to buy a gun for shooting excursions) to buy a dress, and later works tirelessly to help pay off the debt for the replacement necklace. Option 2 is incorrect because he does not push her; he is content with his station. Option 3 is incorrect because he never berates her, but rather tries to appease her. Option 4 is incorrect because he is highly sensitive to her feelings and goes to great lengths to make her happy.