The Pseudo-Martin Guerre Essay

Natalie Zemon Davis successfully unearths and retells the famous case of Martin Guerre, a peasant from sixteenth century France who returns home to find that another man, Arnaud du Tilh, has stolen his identity and claimed his wife, Bertrande de Rols, and his property. Davis’ uses two primary sources to influence her writing. The book, “Arreste Memorable” by Judge Jean de Coras and “The Admirable History of the Pseudo-Martin” by the lawyer Guillaume La Sueur. In addition, digs through court and financial records to piece together the motivations and aspirations of the three villagers. The purpose of Davis’ work is to explain that the “adventures of three young villagers are not too many steps beyond the more common experience of their neighbors, and that an impostor’s fabrication has links with more ordinary ways of creating personal identity” (Zemon Davis). She does her best to uncover the world they may have seen and lived in. Further, The Return of Martin Guerre does not only describe the tale of deception and isolation, but also analyzes the social conditions that could cause such an act. Davis’ analysis on the social conditions of the case of Martin Guerre brings into light ideas that have, in the past, gone overlooked by historians. Davis’ retelling …show more content…
Davis employs the two text, by the legal professionals Judge Jean de Coras and scholar Guillaume Le Sueur, for her research. One highlight emphasized was that peasants were allowed to seek significant recourse in the french legal system. Despite Pierre’s relationships and connections with landholders and aristocrats, the court was not influenced to unfairly charge Arnaud. They urged to provide Arnaud with a fair trial. This act proves that French peasants had access to a judicial system that was responsive and fair. An important point, considering many European countries peasant’s trials were influenced by lords and