Introduction
In the study of English literature and visual narratives at the undergraduate level, particularly in modules like English 10, we explore how value is constructed through various texts and media. This essay examines the concept of value as depicted in Guy de Maupassant’s short story “The Necklace” (1884), Chinua Achebe’s “Civil Peace” (1972), and the photo essay “Fit for a King: Treasures of Tutankhamun,” alongside reflections on a personal photojournalism project about important possessions. These works illustrate that value is not inherent but shaped by personal, economic, cultural, and emotional factors. Indeed, objects become treasures through subjective perceptions, survival needs, and cultural significance, often leading to profound consequences. This analysis argues that value arises from a interplay of intrinsic qualities, societal context, and individual attachment, drawing on literary examples to evaluate different perspectives on what makes something truly valuable.
The Role of Personal Perception in Value
In “The Necklace,” Mathilde Loisel’s obsession with social status highlights how perceived value can overshadow reality. Mathilde borrows what she believes is a priceless diamond necklace to attend a ball, only to lose it and spend years in poverty replacing it, discovering later it was a worthless imitation (Maupassant, 1884). This irony underscores that value is often subjective, driven by personal desires and social aspirations rather than material worth. As literary critic Christopher R. Miller notes, Maupassant’s tales frequently expose the illusions of bourgeois materialism, where objects gain value through emotional investment (Miller, 2015). However, this perception can lack substance; Mathilde’s “treasure” is valueless without her belief in its extravagance. In my photojournalism project, I photographed items like a family heirloom watch, which holds sentimental value despite its modest monetary worth, reinforcing that personal narratives infuse objects with significance. Therefore, value here is arguably psychological, prone to misjudgment but deeply tied to identity.
Economic and Survival Value in Adversity
Chinua Achebe’s “Civil Peace” shifts the focus to economic value in a post-war Nigerian context, where survival dictates what is treasured. Jonathan Iwegbu, having endured the Biafran War, rebuilds his life and loses 20 pounds to thieves, yet he pragmatically values his family’s safety over the money (Achebe, 1972). This story illustrates that in hardship, value is practical and relative; the “small fortune” is valuable for its potential to sustain life, but not at the cost of greater losses. Scholar Abdul JanMohamed argues that Achebe’s work critiques colonial legacies by portraying value as a tool for resilience amid chaos (JanMohamed, 1983). Furthermore, Jonathan’s bicycle, used to earn a living, becomes a treasure through its utility, not aesthetics. Relating this to my project, possessions like a sturdy backpack gained value during challenging times for their functionality, showing that economic pressures can redefine treasures from luxuries to necessities. Typically, such value is fleeting, as seen when Jonathan’s money vanishes quickly, highlighting its instability compared to intangible assets like hope.
Cultural and Symbolic Dimensions of Value
The photo essay “Fit for a King: Treasures of Tutankhamun” presents value through a cultural lens, where ancient Egyptians buried pharaohs with gold artifacts, chariots, and jewels to ensure a prosperous afterlife (Reeves, 1990). These items, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, symbolize spiritual and eternal value, far beyond their material composition. As Reeves explains, the treasures reflect beliefs in immortality, with objects like the golden mask embodying divine status (Reeves, 1990). This contrasts with modern views but shows how cultural rituals assign symbolic worth; without religious context, they might seem mere relics. In my photojournalism project, I captured items like a cultural artifact from my heritage, valuable for its connection to family traditions rather than market price. Generally, this suggests treasures gain layers of meaning through collective histories, though limitations arise when cultures clash or artifacts are commodified in museums. Thus, cultural value endures, often outlasting personal or economic interpretations.
Conclusion
In summary, the texts and project demonstrate that value emerges from personal perception, economic necessity, and cultural symbolism, as seen in Mathilde’s illusory luxury, Jonathan’s survival assets, and Tutankhamun’s eternal treasures. These examples reveal value’s multifaceted nature—subjective yet influenced by context—leading to implications for how we prioritize possessions in contemporary society. Arguably, recognizing this can prevent the pitfalls of overvaluation, as in “The Necklace,” while fostering appreciation for non-material treasures. Ultimately, what makes something valuable is its ability to fulfill human needs, whether emotional, practical, or spiritual, encouraging a balanced view in our materialistic world. This analysis, informed by literary study, underscores the relevance of these concepts in understanding human behavior.
References
- Achebe, C. (1972) Girls at War and Other Stories. Heinemann.
- JanMohamed, A. R. (1983) Manichean Aesthetics: The Politics of Literature in Colonial Africa. University of Massachusetts Press.
- Maupassant, G. de (1884) The Necklace. In: Original Short Stories. Project Gutenberg. Available at: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3090/3090-h/3090-h.htm.
- Miller, C. R. (2015) Surprise: The Poetics of the Unexpected from Milton to Austen. Cornell University Press.
- Reeves, N. (1990) The Complete Tutankhamun: The King, the Tomb, the Royal Treasure. Thames & Hudson.
