The first event in "The Necklace" is Mathilde Loisel's dissatisfaction with her middle-class life and her desire for wealth and luxury.
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant begins with a vivid portrayal of Mathilde Loisel's discontentment with her modest life in lower-middle-class society. She harbors dreams of grandeur and luxury, feeling a sense of entitlement to a life filled with opulence and beauty. The initial event unfolds when her husband presents her with an invitation to an elegant ball, hoping it will bring her joy. However, instead of being content, this invitation triggers a desire for an exquisite dress and leads her to borrow what she believes to be an expensive necklace from her friend, Mme. Forestier. Little does Mathilde know that this seemingly innocent desire for sophistication will set off a chain of events that will significantly alter the course of her life. The story delves into themes of societal expectations, the pursuit of material wealth, and the consequences of unchecked desires.