context tends the story drama and thematic resonance as well as authenticity, for Maupassant himself served in the Franco-Prussian war, the experience is said to have destroyed his youthful idealism and awakened him to the waste and degradation of war. In juxtaposing the socially condemned practice of position with the glorified ideal of patriotism, Maupassant exposes the shallowness and hypocrisy of those who claim to love their country but behave selfishly and hypocritically when confronted with a difficult situation. Initially controversial for its element of eroticism, "Boule de Suif' continues to be lauded as a portrait of a turbulent period of French history and as a universally compelling glimpse into human behavior. (Fishstone 5) The story, which takes place in French during the Franco-Prussian War 1870- 1871, begins with the passage of bedraggled; defeated French troops through the town of Rouen. Soon a great number of Prussian troops arrive and take control of Rouen. The focus then shifts to a group of residents, three married couples, two nuns, a single man named Cornudet, and a prostitute, Elizabeth Rousset, who is called "Boule de Suif," ball of fat because of her plumpness. The trip takes longer than expected and the passengers grow increasingly hungry, but it seems that no one has thought to bring food. Eventually Boule de Suif unpacks a basket of food she has stowed beneath her seat; she shares it with her fellow travelers. The title character's name is actually Elizabeth Rousset, she is known by the nickname Boule de Suif, reinforcing the concept that she is judged by her appearance and occupation rather than by her real worth. She is short and fat but healthy, looking and attractive, with a ruddy, shiny face, dark eyes, and a sensuous mouth. Boule de Suif also reveals her basic kindness and generosity when she shares the sumptuous contents of her food basket with her fellow passengers, which seems to win their approva...
