Question

Considering ‘The Necklace’ as a tale of dissatisfaction and excessive materialism, analyze Matilda’s primary flaw.
(The Necklace)

Hint:

Use the necklace incident to show how superficial desires can lead to downfall.

Answer 1

Matilda’s primary flaw in “The Necklace” is her excessive dissatisfaction with her social status and her craving for a luxurious lifestyle beyond her means.
She is unhappy with her modest life and constantly desires wealth, fine clothes, and the admiration of high society.
This materialistic attitude leads her to borrow a seemingly expensive necklace to appear wealthy at a grand event, highlighting her vanity and pride.
Her inability to appreciate what she has and her obsession with appearances drive the story’s tragic outcome.
Ultimately, Matilda’s flaw causes her and her husband to suffer years of hardship to replace the necklace, only to discover it was a fake.
This tale serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of greed, pride, and valuing material possessions over honesty and contentment.