Then at last we have the contrast, elaborate, strongly drawn and telling, between Madam Loisel after ten years and her friend, who represents in flesh and blood what she might have been. Then at the end comes the short, sharp contrast of paste and diamonds.
In using contrast one does not have to search for something to set up against something else. Every situation has a certain breadth, it has two sides, whether they are far apart or near together. To give the real effect of a conception it is necessary to pass from one side to the other very rapidly and frequently, for only in so doing can one keep the whole situation in mind. One must see the whole story, both sides and all in between, at the same time. The more one sees at the same time, the more of life one grasps and the more invigorating is the composition. The use of contrast is eminently a matter of acquired skill, and when one has become skilful he uses contrast unconsciously and with the same effort that he makes his choice of words.
APPENDIX
Errors in the Use of Words.
All of. Omit the of.
Aggravate. Does not mean provoke or irritate.
Among one another. This phrase is illogical.
And who. Omit the and unless there is a preceding who to which this is an addition.
Another from. Should be another then.
Anyhow, meaning at any rate, is not to be used in literary composition.