Of course, this is a great novel, superbly written, excellent classic. Having read the tragic story which expresses the pessimism of Maupassant, how not to be indignant at the sadness of servile status available to women, and even including in the wealthy social circles, not just once but he there is little, very little time (I've seen, and I still see him)? Subject as it should be his father (in this case a very brave man), Jeanne married a squire of his environment, so "well in all respects." Passed under the domination of the spouse (who mostly not married Jeanne, but his legacy, and now manages only master in his favor and his small pleasures), Joan was horribly disappointed and deceived by this individual disreputable. The latter, not content with having knocked up good, trying to drive the unfortunate since it would obviously unworthy to keep a single mother under her respectable roof ... This must Jeanne not be abandoned without means ( so we do not know who is the seducer). Widowed Jeanne will operate until total destruction by an ungrateful son and prodigal. It will its survival to the generosity and recognition of his old good, faithful and compassionate, and illegitimate son of the latter, the other son of her late husband, a brave boy who turned out better than the legitimate heir. Men should think about this story: what respect, what area of freedom, what rights - starting with that of being smart and not just being in-law have they conceded sparingly women for centuries? What miserable or tragic fate he has not imposed them? Gentlemen, we have not necessarily something to be proud of.