Final answer:
The diamond necklace in Maupassant's story symbolizes Mathilde's aspiration for wealth and status, while for her husband, it becomes a symbol of sacrifice and the burdens of labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Guy de Maupassant's short story 'The Necklace,' the diamond necklace represents different things for Mathilde and her husband. For Mathilde, the necklace symbolizes the wealth and status she desires but does not have, serving as a tangible reflection of her dreams and aspirations of upper-class society.
Conversely, for her husband, the necklace becomes a symbol of sacrifice and the burdens of labor, as he must work tirelessly to pay off the debt incurred by its loss. The necklace's glittering facade also represents the deceptive nature of appearances and how material possessions can distort reality and happiness.