The background of the novella "Fettklösschen" by Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) is the Franco-Prussian War. Normandy is occupied by Prussian troops. Ten people in a carriage traverse the area in an attempt to escape to England, including the Parisian prostitute Fettklösschen. She represents the lowest stratum of society, while the other travelers belong to higher social classes. When a Prussian officer stops the carriage and makes the continuation of the journey dependent on Fettklösschen's services, the situation becomes tense.