Bola de sebo y otros cuentos
What’s inside...
Bola de sebo y otros cuentos (Ball of Fat and Other Stories) is a collection of short stories by French author Guy de Maupassant. The stories are known for their vivid realism, irony, and psychological depth. The title story, 'Bola de Sebo' ('Ball of Fat'), is particularly famous and is considered one of Maupassant's masterpieces. It tells the tale of a group of French citizens fleeing the Franco-Prussian War, including a prostitute named Boule de Suif (Ball of Fat), who is both scorned and needed by her fellow travelers. The narrative explores themes of hypocrisy, class prejudice, and the complexity of human nature. The other stories in the collection also delve into various aspects of life in the 19th century, often highlighting the contradictions and moral ambiguities of the time. Maupassant's sharp observation and concise storytelling offer a compelling glimpse into the human condition. The selection of stories in this compilation is indicative of Maupassant’s early period, revolving around themes of war and prostitution, including stories like 'Mademoiselle Fifí', 'La cama 29', and 'La casa Tellier'. This edition is curated by Juan Bravo Castillo, a renowned French translator and director of the literary magazine 'Barcarola'.
Age
6-7
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elisabeth Rousset (Boule De Suif)
Cornudet
Countess De BréVille
Madame Carré-Lamadon
Madame Loiseau
The Prussian Officer
Count Hubert De BréVille
Monsieur Carré-Lamadon
Monsieur Loiseau
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to behave the way they did in the story?
How did the actions of the characters affect the others in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
How do the scenarios in the book compare to real-life situations?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and bravery from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book, show genuine interest in your child’s opinions to encourage open dialogue.
Relate characters' experiences to your child's life, asking if they have ever felt similar emotions or faced comparable situations.
Praise your child's insights and responses to reinforce their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Use examples from the book to discuss larger life lessons, making the conversation both educational and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Bola de Sebo', the main character, despite being marginalized by her peers, shows compassion and selflessness by sharing food with them during a difficult journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of treating everyone with kindness and understanding, regardless of their background or how others perceive them.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Social Prejudice
Explanation: The story illustrates how the protagonist is unfairly judged and ostracized based on her occupation and appearance, highlighting the negative impacts of societal judgment.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be aware of the harm caused by stereotyping and encourage them to form their own opinions about others based on personal interactions rather than societal labels.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: Despite facing betrayal and judgment from her travel companions, the protagonist remains true to her principles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of maintaining personal values and ethics, even when faced with peer pressure or challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The character's endurance in the face of both physical and emotional hardships serves as a powerful example of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to remain strong and hopeful, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.