Butterball (Hesperus Classics)

Butterball by Guy de Maupassant, published by Hesperus Press in May 2003, is a new edition that spans 128 pages in English. Set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian war, this work presents a sympathetic portrayal of a prostitute’s mistreatment by the bourgeoisie. The narrative follows Butterball as she faces a moral dilemma when Prussian soldiers demand her services as ransom, revealing the complexities of human behavior during times of conflict.

Readers will find that this edition not only includes the story of Butterball but also features a selection of additional narratives about prostitutes, creating a unique collection. Maupassant’s exploration highlights the hypocrisy of the French middle class through the warmth and loyalty of his heroine. This portrayal invites reflection on themes of nationalism and social class, making it a significant contribution to the genre of Continental European fiction.