Boule de Suif

A retailer, a factory owner and a count, all accompanied by their wifes, are joined by two nunns and a squanderer to show the utter hypocricy of the society at the time of the Franco-Prussian war. The novel also shows the role that the common people play in the war (referring to the fishermen and boatmen fishing out bodies of dead Germans from the water early in the story. The Butterball herself is shown from a very positive side, displaying humanity and generosity.

Butterball is just an amazing illustration of class and shifting morals. Our poor heroine is viewed first by her fellow travelers as being below contempt. This view changes after she decides to share her food with them. Again, poor Butterball's companions shift their views and try and sell her to the Prussians. This is an immensely silly novella with a serious commentary. After you read it, it is hard to be ride of its impression.