In Hilary Mantel's "A Place of Greater Safety," the protagonist reflects on her life choices and the stark contrast between her reality and the idealized life she envisions. She imagines a life of luxury and comfort on the Right Bank, married to a reliable partner and engaging in leisurely activities like embroidery. This daydream highlights her longing for stability and a more traditional existence. However, this fantasy is juxtaposed with her current situation, where she seeks not only basic necessities like a baguette but also carries a weapon for protection. This reflects the turbulent times she lives in, emphasizing the challenges and dangers she faces daily. The passage encapsulates the tension between aspiration and reality, illustrating how one's circumstances can profoundly shape one's desires and fears.

In Hilary Mantel's "A Place of Greater Safety," the protagonist reflects on her life choices and the stark contrast between her reality and the idealized life she envisions. She imagines a life of luxury and comfort on the Right Bank, married to a reliable partner and engaging in leisurely activities like embroidery. This daydream highlights her longing for stability and a more traditional existence.

However, this fantasy is juxtaposed with her current situation, where she seeks not only basic necessities like a baguette but also carries a weapon for protection. This reflects the turbulent times she lives in, emphasizing the challenges and dangers she faces daily. The passage encapsulates the tension between aspiration and reality, illustrating how one's circumstances can profoundly shape one's desires and fears.