The Great Traits that War Develops

"Will you descend, gentlemen and ladies?"

Guy de Maupassant's "Ball-of-Fat", first published on April 1880, was the author's most popular short story. The most famous resident from the Normandy region set his tale during the French-Prussian War, but modern readers could relate to the themes.

Ten inhabitants from Rouen thought of leaving for Le Havre, and possibly London. Readers would see an act of cowardice, but Maupassant revealed a microcosm of French society in the carriage. A couple who owned a shop, a factory owner and his wife, the count of Bréville and his wife, and two nuns. The author excluded the (carriage) driver, but made note of the last one. Elisabeth Rousset, also known as Ball-of-Fat. She got her nickname for her plump figure. She was a prostitute, which made her the object of scorn from her fellow passengers. But Rousset won them over with her generosity and patriotism.

When hypocrisy became a sacred duty

The harsh winter led the carriage to enemy territory. They weren't allowed to leave unless Ball-of-Fat was willing to sleep with the Prussian officer. Her patriotism prompted her to refuse his advances, which her fellow passengers admired her. But they became restless. They didn't want to return to Rouen. They thought of every reason, which could convince Rousset to change her mind.

Maupassant depicted a scathing portrait of members of the French society, who were willing to compromise their values for convenience. Some readers would raise their eyebrows at his portrayal of Ball-of-Fat, who had a pure heart. And her patriotic fervor turned into humiliation when these people, whom she revealed her good nature, turned against her. Some might suspected her of being a Bonapartiste, but the author unmasked a farce. Bonapartism was established to preserve the power of the ruling class.

There was a clash of principles, as war was a gray area. Some saw a Machiavellian act by the duchess, who knew too well about the duplicity of society, while others weren't too surprised at the lack of scruples of the bourgeoisie. There were a few who would fault Ball-of-Fat for her lack of foresight, but artists loved to romanticize such character. (Federico Fellini thought of a happy, laughing Cabiria, who couldn't find a man who would love her and treat her right.) And the morals remained relevant in modern time.

There's a glass ceiling between the rich and poor. Many would be saddened, and Maupassant didn't offer an explanation. Don't be surprised if his peers couldn't come up with a plausible insight. Other writers would take a high road on such an incident, but the author was rather cynical. Maybe this was based from his background. It could be one or two (life) experiences. Road tales include a character's transformation, which would happen at a crossroad. But not this short story. Some readers would wonder, even question their own values.