The Wife Of Martin Guerre

700 Words3 Pages
The Wife of Martin Guerre The tale of The Wife of Martin Guerre unfolds in a rural area of Gascony around 1539, where the isolated town of Artigues exists. Set in feudalistic and patriarchal times, a reader witnesses the struggles and triumphs of the characters within and the severity of such strict times. Through the given knowledge of the sixteenth century patriarchal and feudalistic French society, in the novella The Wife of Martin Guerre, Janet Lewis fabricates the characters to establish the oppression of women in society, the complexity of authority and the individual, family honour and pride, justice and love, all within a mesnie. Throughout the text, The Wife of Martin Guerre, Janet Lewis delineates the dominant issue of authority and the individual, with all characters being subservient to some form of higher jurisdiction. Although in some areas this medieval system of power severely restricted rights of the individuals, it also bestowed upon others certain privileges and authority according to their placement in the hierarchical structure. As a prime example, religion in sixteenth century France was placed on a very high pedestal in society, therefore the authority of the church and its teachings weighed heavily upon all characters. Bertrande’s quest for absolution is one such scenario that acknowledges the power of the church, and therefore the Curé, as an agent of god. “No matter, said the priest... it seems to me that he has been towards you both wise and gentle. Go now in peace...Be disturbed no more.” Janet Lewis fabricates the Curé’s absolute power and supremacy over Bertrande through the ease and finality of his voice, “warm, Definite and uncomprehending.” This diction used by Lewis connotes a strict and influential tone, foregrounding the Curé’s dominating authority. In addition, as Bertrande continues “to kneel” Lewis is emphasising her
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