A painting of France during the Prussian invasion of 1870

All the stories in this collection, the longest of which is "Tallow Ball" takes place during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Maupassant depicts this period with realism, with so well drawn characters quon has the impression that they really existed. Starting with tallow Ball remains the most endearing. The idea of ​​this young prostitute to coexist with characters from the ruling classes in the context of Prussian invasion is excellent and allows the author to highlight with finesse and cunning hypocrisy of these. Without taking sides openly for one side or the other, Maupassant is content to describe things with detachment by adding to his pen just what to dacidité dironie and to bring out the less glorious aspects of the human being.

Similarly, other new depict a multitude of characters, whether it's French or dAllemands, as many small fables that avoid Manichaeism. If through his characters, Maupassant disputes invasion dune foreign power and legitimate acts of resistance, it is careful not to glorify victims, preferring to expose those who profit from war to derive any benefit by putting their patriotism muted. Some Prussian soldiers are even portrayed as harmless and disoriented beings, not understanding why they were forced to leave the warmth of their homes to invade France.

For the author, the war always brings its share of suffering for the people, always the first to suffer the irrational decisions of stupid and belligerent leaders. At the time, the war was still generally seen as a heroic action, but Maupassant shows that it is nothing nen, even as the slaughter of 14-18, continuation of this short war of 1870, wasnt even than science fiction.