... most honored names in Normandy, gained their title through their ambiguous sexual history with the royal family. These three couples are all leaving their hometown to protect their finances and carry on trading. Sitting next to the Comtesse are two nuns, on their way to help at a military hospital. Cornudet, supposedly a democratic man of the people occupies a nearby seat, travelling to help fortify the next town against the Prussian invaders but running from his own town, rather then staying to fight. Boule de Suif, a short fat prostitute, is apparently one of the least respectable women on board the coach, at least by title. Recognised for her "youthful stoutness" and her desirable yet oversized physique, she soon proves her generosity and respectability are far greater than any of the other passengers. The jealousy of the upper class passengers is apparent as soon as Boule de Suif steps ...

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