Boule de Suif

Guy de Maupassant

"Boule de Suif" is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, published in 1880, set during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. The story follows Élisabeth Rousset, nicknamed "Boule de Suif", a prostitute with a big heart, and a group of travelers fleeing Rouen to Le Havre. Despite social differences and prejudices, the travelers share the stagecoach and face hardships. The story explores social hypocrisy and the compromise of moral values under the pressure of circumstances.