OL How does Maupassant develop the theme that dissatisfaction and pride can lead to ruin? He shows how Madame Forestier's reaction to Mathilde's request to borrow the necklace makes Mathilde feel insecure. He shows that Mathilde's unwillingness to act according to her class causes her to lose her most valuable possessions. He reveals that Mathilde's husband's eagerness to please his wife leads to the family's demise. He reveals that Mathilde and her husband only sink into poverty because Mathilde will not admit to Madame Forestier that she lost the necklace.