The Wife of Martin Guerre Literary Elements

Historical drama

16th century France - Artigues

Third person narrator providing insight into Bertrande’s perspective

Initially, the mood is jubilant, however, as doubt enters the life of Bertrande, the mood becomes solemn and Bertrande’s tone is hypercritical

Bertrande de Rols is the protagonist who ultimately pursues justice and truth. The antagonist of the novella alternates between Arnaud de Tilh and Martin Guerre, both of whom seek to take advantage of Bertrande and deceive her at different stages of the novella.

After the birth of Sanxi - Bertrande’s first child - her husband, Martin Guerre challenges his father by means disobeying his words. This results in the abrupt departure of Martin Guerre, leaving his entire household to escape the wrath of his father. He makes Bertrande aware of his departure and states that he will return in due time. Years pass and Martin Guerre does not return - he is presumed dead by his wife. This changes when a man claiming to be Martin Guerre returns to the household. Lewis documents conflicts both internal and external with respect to the identity of this man. Bertrande believes that this man is an imposter, much to the dismay of the household and the novella documents the overwhelming sense of guilt that is felt by Bertrande as she struggles with the possibility that she has committed adultery.

The real Martin Guerre’s return during the final trial.

Doubt within the mind of Bertrande regarding Martin’s sudden change of mannerism is highlighted, and at the conclusion of the novella, it becomes apparent that the man who had returned was not Martin Guerre.

Bertrande is often depicted as "mad" throughout the novella for refusing to believe that the man she was living with was Martin Guerre. She rejects this hypothesis by stating: "I'n not mad". This is an understatement and it becomes more apparent that her observation of her Arnaud de Tilh is a far cry from madness, but rather, one of cognitive sharpness and soundness.

References to the feudal society of 16th century France as well as the crusades are made. This is what gives rise to Bertrande’s theory regarding the death of Martin.

Imagery of doves and animals seek to demonstrate the vulnerability of Bertrande and depict her as a victim within her society despite her faithfulness to the feudalism.

The identity of Arnaud de Tilh is not discovered until the conclusion of the text. His true identity is paradoxical to that which the household had believed as he was infamously known by the town as a "rogue".

The notion of predation is prevalent within the novella to draw parallels with Bertrande's scenario in the household, ultimately describing her as an "imprisoned animal".

The use of synecdoche is most apparent when describing the location of Artigues: “mountain villages were closed in enforced idleness and isolation”

The personification of passion as "deep and joyous".