Selected Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant

Author: (French) Guy de Maupassant / Li Yumin / Liu Mingjiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-08
Features: Maupassant rarely wrote works that were optimistic or uplifting, which was directly or indirectly related to his experiences, health condition, and historical background. Why did his increasingly pessimistic works continue to receive widespread popularity and acclaim? The realism of the diverse characters in his works and the exquisite writing style were two decisive factors. Maupassant did not advocate using "adventures" as the focus of his novels; he consistently drew inspiration from ordinary and authentic life, making readers feel deeply connected. In terms of writing techniques, precision was the guiding principle. Following Flaubert's earnest teachings, he avoided exaggeration and artificiality, striving to choose the most appropriate noun, verb, and adjective. Maupassant's most outstanding short story masterpiece is "Boule de Suif." This novel is set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War. A carriage departs from the occupied city of Rouen and heads to the port of Le Havre, which is still held by French forces. The passengers include a pair of industrialists, a pair of nobles, a pair of merchants, two nuns, a democratic politician, and a prostitute nicknamed Boule de Suif. They pass through a small town called Point-Six, where the Prussian officers occupying the town, having been refused the company of Boule de Suif for the night, prevent them from proceeding. At first, all the fellow travelers express sympathy for Boule de Suif, as if sharing her grievances. However, as the journey is delayed, the attitudes of the industrialists, nobles, and merchants change day by day. They first gently persuade her, then subtly hint at her plight, and finally launch a full-scale attack, forcing Boule de Suif to comply with the unreasonable demands of the enemy officer. Yet afterward, they show extreme disdain for her, displaying their "purity." The novel contrasts a prostitute who is ashamed to submit to the enemy with the shameless aristocratic bourgeoisie, who are solely concerned with their own interests and disregard national dignity.