"Boule de Suif" is a short story written by French author Guy de Maupassant in 1880. Set during the Franco-Prussian War, it follows a group of travelers who are stranded in a small town due to a Prussian blockade. Among them is Boule de Suif, a prostitute, who becomes the central character as the group pressures her to sacrifice her dignity for their collective freedom. The story explores themes of social class, morality, and hypocrisy. As the travelers' attitudes shift, Boule de Suif is both vilified and revered, highlighting the complexities of human behavior in times of crisis. Maupassant's work critiques societal norms and the often self-serving nature of people.