The story revolves around a middle-aged man who seeks to divorce his wife due to her infidelity. He hires a lawyer and begins the process of obtaining a divorce. However, he soon realizes that the law does not allow for easy divorces, and he must navigate a complex system in order to achieve his goal. As the case progresses, the husband's motivations are called into question by the lawyer and others involved in the proceedings. The story raises questions about the morality of seeking a divorce and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative is presented through a series of conversations between the characters, which provides insight into their thoughts and feelings on the matter.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1883 · Genre: Psychological Drama, Realism, Tragedy