The Wife Upstairs

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

The diamond heart necklace is a symbol of Adam’s control over the women around him. The necklace first appears when Victoria’s diary indicates that Adam gave it to her early on in their relationship, immediately before asking her to move in with him. Victoria was astounded by the gift, writing, “I gasped when I saw a white gold chain with a diamond-studded heart pendant” (78). She took the necklace happily, wearing it with pride as a token of Adam’s love for her. However, Adam stopped treating Victoria with love and respect as their relationship progressed and his manipulation and control over her increased. When she put the necklace on later in their relationship, she even felt a “jab of sadness.” She kept the necklace, and she’s wearing it when Sylvia first meets her. Sylvia compliments her necklace, inadvertently complimenting Adam’s control over Sylvia’s life.

The necklace returns at the end of the novel, but this time, it has a new owner, as Sylvia notices at brunch: “My eyes go back to the necklace around Maggie’s neck. And then it hits me all of a sudden why the necklace looks so familiar” (371).