Tallow ball

Author: (French) Guy de Maupassant, translated by Lu Tai, Wang Mei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-03-01
Features: The stories in the book take place in France during the Franco-Prussian War. After the Prussian army entered Rouen, some individuals with extraordinary abilities managed to obtain travel permits from the commander of the Prussian forces. They hired a public carriage, hoping to reach Dieppe first and then take a ship to Havre, which was still under French control. Among these people were six high-society individuals with status, two nuns, one democratic-minded person, and a charming courtesan nicknamed "Balladeuse."
The journey turned out to be more difficult and longer than they had imagined. When everyone was starving and had no food, "Balladeuse" generously shared her own food with them. As a result, the group temporarily became friends. Along the way, their carriage was intercepted by German troops. The leading officer demanded inappropriate things from "Balladeuse" and threatened to take no action until his demands were met. In the face of the enemy of her homeland, "Balladeuse" decided to defend her dignity and firmly refused the German officer's demands.
Initially, her companions supported her actions, but as time passed, they realized that their own interests would be harmed. They resorted to all means to pressure "Balladeuse," forcing her to give in. When "Balladeuse" finally sacrificed herself for their sake, she was met with contempt and disdain.