Final answer:
In "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, the necklace symbolizes materialism and vanity, highlighting the consequences of these attributes. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the stories listed, "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant contains a prominent symbol. The necklace in this narrative operates as a significant symbol, representing wealth, social status, and the main character Mathilde Loisel's desire for a more luxurious life.
Her longing for luxury leads her to borrow what she believes to be an expensive piece of jewelry for a ball, an event that sets the stage for the story's ironic twist. The necklace ultimately symbolizes the dangers of vanity and materialism, as it causes Mathilde and her husband to live a life of hardship in order to replace what they thought was a costly item but was, in fact, an imitation.
As for the symbol of conformity in literature, the novel that satirizes the American middle class for its conformity is "Babbitt" by Sinclair Lewis. The character George F. Babbitt represents the average middle-class man who is obsessed with material success and societal approval, thus showcasing the conformity and superficial values of the era. And finally, analyzing cultural artifacts like books, movies, or shows, like "The Scarlet Letter," reveals underlying values, concerns, and ideologies that are a part of our collective cultural discourse.