Is "The Necklace" a cynical story – does it reflect a really bleak and jaded view of life? Does it have some other attitude towards life?

I think that the story ends up being a morality tale of sorts. Mme. Loisel is initially vain and obsessed with illusions of being rich and successful. After she loses the necklace she learns how to work hard and appreciate her life rather than dream about an illusion. I would say the story is not actually so cynical.