Final answer:
Mathilde was unhappy due to her desire for wealth and luxury, which contrasts with her husband's contentment with their modest life. The ball was a moment of triumph for Mathilde, but quickly turned to despair upon losing the necklace, transforming the Loisels' life due to the subsequent hardships faced. The fake necklace underscores the vanity of Mathilde's sacrifices and the superficial judgment of society.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the beginning of the story 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, Mathilde is unhappy with her life because she longs for luxury and wealth, feeling that her modest household and lifestyle are unjust given her beauty and charm. Her husband, on the other hand, appears content with their life and is pleased with simple pleasures, such as the prospect of a nice dinner, which contrasts with Mathilde's desire for grandeur.
In paragraphs 10-13 of the story, a conversation unfolds between Mathilde and her husband that reveals character differences: he is thrilled to obtain an invitation to a fancy party, believing it will make her happy, while she is upset, feeling she has nothing suitable to wear, showcasing her materialistic nature compared to his practicality.
Mathilde's experience at the ball was initially thrilling, as she enjoyed the attention her borrowed necklace and elegant dress attracted. However, upon returning home and losing the necklace, her perspective shifted dramatically. The need to replace it led the Loisels to live a life of toil and hardship, drastically different from their previous modest but stable existence.
The revelation at the end of the story that the borrowed necklace was fake is significant, as it underscores the vanity and superficiality driving Mathilde's desires. It suggests the futility of her sacrifice and the superficial nature of society, as no one, including Mathilde, could discern the necklace's lack of real value at the party.