Wife Of Martin Guerre example essay topic

283 words
The wife of Martin Guerre is set in Artigues the early 16th Century of France. Being an isolated town, Artigues ceased to develop unlike the modernising Europe around it. Monsiuer Guerre not only sets an example of the patriarchal society that was enforced but also symbolizes the lack of change during this period. Individuals wishes and needs were suppressed as a result. This can be seen as Martin is beaten by his father and loses 2 of his teeth. Punishments were usually harsh to ensure that respect for the Cap d'hostel and family pride was maintained.

The cap d'hostel had a lot of responsibility, and his household and all that he owned was dependent on the reverence of his house, children and wife. With great responsibility came great pride; hence no one dared to ever question his authority. Another example of the suppression of individuals is shown when Bertrande protests to the family that they are living with an imposter. As women in that period were veiled as being mentally and physically below men; her protests were not heard as a man's word was always preferred over a woman's.

Thus she had to suffer alone. 'it is only the truth for you' this was quoted by one of Martin's sisters. The family believed Bertrande was greedy for authority and property thus neglected her protests and ignored her pleas. The notion of religion also bought great concern Overall the wife of Martin Guerre depicts period in time when individuals were kept under a rigid lifestyles and had no freedom. Many suffered as a consequence and others escaped to try find liberty.