Final answer:
Mathilda's envy of social class and wealth of others stems from the disparities in socioeconomic status, which create different lifestyles and opportunities. This theme is explored in literature and history and can lead to feelings of discontent and injustice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mathilda envies the social class and wealth of others because the disparities in socioeconomic status lead to different lifestyles, opportunities, and perceptions of individuals within a society. The texts provided depict various scenarios where characters either benefit from or grapple with the implications of their wealth or lack thereof. Envying the wealth and social class of others is a common theme explored in literature and history, reflecting the complex dynamics of socioeconomic inequality.
Many individuals in society view those with wealth as having an easier and more comfortable life, leading to envy. Wealth doesn't only mean financial resources but also includes access to exclusive places and social circles, which may remind others of their own relative lack of resources. Literary and historical examples, from the exclusive aristocracy of pre-revolutionary France to characters in novels who are admired for their wealth, highlight the societal fascination and envy of the wealthy class.
Ultimately, envying others based on wealth can lead to discontent and a sense of injustice, especially when the socioeconomic divide is vast. This theme of envy is often used to critique societal structures that give rise to such discrepancies in wealth and class.