The Amethyst Ring

"The Amethyst Ring" by Anatole France is a story set in the late 1800s, about Madame Bergeret, who leaves her husband because of social influences and personal problems. It follows her as she deals with her new freedom while facing what society expects and says about her. In the story, Madame Bergeret is getting ready to leave her husband to live with her mom, and she feels unsure because of her feelings and what society thinks. Her friends and people around her push for her to leave, which makes her decide to go. An event happens when a fire breaks out in her room and makes her think about loss and change. Her husband, M. Bergeret, is not really showing emotions, which shows their relationship is distant. The story explores what it means to be a woman, the stress of society, and the confusing morals of family life, as Madame Bergeret goes on a reflective journey after leaving her husband.