Summary
Boule de Suif is a nouvelle (short story) by the late-19th century French writer Guy de Maupassant. It tells the story of a disparate group of French civilians fleeing Rouen, occupied by the enemy during the Franco-Prussian War. Sharing a carriage are the eponymous prostitute, whose real name is Elisabeth Rousset, the Republican Cornudet, and representatives of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. The hatred of these members of 'polite' society finally treat with Boule de Suif when it becomes clear that she is the only one who has brought any food. She is pleased to share this with her companions, and they are more than happy to forget their former pudeur and sate their hunger.
They coach is stopped at an inn, and the travellers are forbidden to continue their journey by a Prussian officer without being told why. Over the next few days, they become increasingly impatient; Boule de Suif seems to hold the answer since she is repeatedly called before the Prussian, and always returns in a heightened state of agitation. She finally admits that he has demanded that she sleep with him, or he will not allow anyone to travel onwards. Their initial shock and disgust is replaced by an anxiety that she should accede to the request in order to free them. They use examples of logic and morality to convince her it is the right thing to do; she finally gives in.
As they continue on their way to Le Havre, these 'representatives of Virtue' ignore Boule de Suif, and refuse to share their provisions with her as she weeps for her lost dignity.
Themes
(not yet completed)
Publication History
(not yet completed)
References
Boule de Suif - Guy de Maupassant, Paris: Gallimard (Folio), 1973&1999
--163.1.140.154 22:14, 4 Feb 2005 (UTC)Barry R. Dean
| 
