The Necklace teaches a powerful moral lesson on the importance of finding contentment in what one already has.
Matilda's desire for social status and material possessions led to her own downfall and Page 13 of 16 a decade of hardship.
Had Matilda simply been grateful and content with all that she had, she could have avoided a lot of pain.
The twist at the end of the story, which revealed the true value of the necklace, emphasises the emptiness that lies in the pursuit of material wealth.