Lambrequin: Classic Short Stories and Novellas by Maupassant

Author: (French) Guy de Maupassant / Li Yumin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This novella is set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War. A carriage departs from the occupied city of Rouen and heads to the French-held port of Le Havre. The passengers include a pair of industrialists, a pair of nobles, a pair of merchants, two nuns, a democratic politician, and a prostitute known by the nickname "Balladeuse." They pass through a small town called "Decimal Point." The Prussian officers occupying the town prevent them from proceeding because the Balladeuse refuses to spend the night with one of them. At first, all the fellow travelers express sympathy for the Balladeuse, seemingly sharing her resentment. However, as the journey is delayed, the attitudes of the industrialists, nobles, and merchants change day by day. They first try to persuade her gently, then hint at her indirectly, and finally launch a full-scale attack, forcing her to comply with the unreasonable demands of the Prussian officer. Yet afterward, they treat her with extreme contempt, displaying their "purity." The novella contrasts the Balladeuse, a prostitute too ashamed to submit to the enemy, vividly portraying the shamelessness of the aristocratic bourgeoisie who prioritize their own interests over national dignity. The Balladeuse is one of the author's finest short stories. The story takes place during the Franco-Prussian War, where a prostitute known as "Balladeuse" travels together with a group of distinguished industrialists, nobles, merchants, politicians, and two nuns in a carriage to Le Havre. On their way, they pass through a small town occupied by Prussians. Because the Balladeuse refuses to spend the night with a Prussian officer, they are blocked from passing. At first, all the passengers are indignant on her behalf. However, as the journey is delayed, their attitudes gradually change—first through persuasion, then through subtle hints, and finally through intense pressure, forcing her to comply with the Prussian officer's demands. But afterward, they all treat her with scorn, showing off their supposed "purity." The novella uses the Balladeuse, a prostitute too ashamed to submit to the enemy, as a reference point to contrast the shamelessness of the aristocratic bourgeoisie who prioritize their own interests over national dignity. The novel portrays characters with exquisite detail, profound thought, and masterful technique, making it a rare artistic treasure.