'What was the cause of Matilda's ruin? How could she have avoided it?

The cause of Matilda's misery was her greed for a luxurious lifestyle. She was never contented with what she had. She was a day dreamer and never behaved like a mature woman. Despite her economic status, she dreamt of new dresses, jewellery, fine crockery and linens. She was unable to accept her husband’s economic condition and was always upset with her life.

The entire mess could have been avoided had she listened to her husband. He had advised her to adorn natural flowers as jewellery.