Ball of Fat ( Boule de Suif)

By Guy de Maupassant

Summary

“Boule de Suif” by Guy de Maupassant is a short story set during the Franco-Prussian War. It follows ten
French residents from Rouen, including the titular character Boule de Suif, a prostitute, as they attempt
to flee to Le Havre in a stagecoach. The group, representing various social classes, is detained in
Prussian-held territory at a local coaching inn. The Prussian officer in charge detains them, demanding to
sleep with Boule de Suif as a condition for their release. Initially, Boule de Suif refuses, but under
pressure from her fellow passengers, she eventually gives in. After their release, the passengers, who
once relied on Boule de Suif, now shun her, reflecting their hypocrisy. The story ends with Boule de Suif
weeping over her lost dignity and the self-sacrifice she made for those who do not appreciate it.

“Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper.” Tale

By Charles Perrault

Summary

Cinderella suffers at the hands of her stepmother and stepsister. The stepsisters are invited to the ball
and Cinderella helps them prepare. After they leave, Cinderella begins to cry. The fairy godmother
arrives and transforms a pumpkin and various animals into a carriage and servants to take Cinderella to
the ball. It interesting that animals do not play an important role in this story, unlike in the Disney
version where Cinderella’s relationship with all the animal-helpers is a major part of the story line. In the
end, when Cinderella forgives her stepsisters, she takes them to the castle with her and helps them find
husbands, rather than leave them behind to punish them.