Concerning your question about "The Necklace," there may be a philosophical or other definition of these two words that I'm not aware of. Using dictionary definitions, though, Mathilde's situation is probably more of a dilemma than a predicament.
A predicament is a difficult or perplexing or trying situation. A dilemma is a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice. There's a fine line between the two, and I believe I could make an argument either way. But for the sake of an assignment, I'd choose dilemma.
Mathilde faces an unpleasant choice. Neither option available to her is a good one. She can tell her friend that she lost the necklace and face, she thinks, humiliation, or she can borrow everything possible, cut expenses, and work endlessly for years to pay the money back. Her future is dependent on her decision.
I believe predicament would be more of a situation than a decision. Something like getting a flat tire in the middle of a desert, or something like that. I think you're safe going with dilemma.
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