Wife of Martin Guerre Close Reading: Love and Masochism

“But one day, seeing Martin returning from a ride with Sanxi, and seeing he easy comradeship between the two, she said aloud: ‘It is not possible that his man should be Martin Guerre. For Marin Guerre, the son of the old master, proud and abrupt, like the old master, could never in this world speak so gaily to his own son'... 'you resembled your father in flesh and spirit. Now you resemble him only in the flesh'" (51-52).

What stands out most from this passage is not only that Bertrande is able to distinguish between the impostor and her husband very early in the story due to his kindness, but also that she is so torn by this fact because she somehow has fallen for Martin’s cruelty. This not expressed explicitly until later in the story, but it is in this scene where Lewis is able to hint at this problem.

Bertrande goes on to exclaim, “Ah! unhappy woman that I am, so to distrust the Good God who has sent me this happiness! I shall be punished, But this is also punishment itself.” The use of the words “happiness” indicates clearly to the reader that regardless of her moral feelings about being with a different man, the presence of the impostor in her life does in fact bring Bertrande happiness. Regardless of this realization, her response to immediately follow is to begin “weeping bitterly.” Most women would not question the improved nature of their husband upon his return from being eight years separated. And those who did have suspicions about his change, would probably feel torn about this realization due to the fact that the supposed “imposter” is a better man. On the other hand, instead of considering this and wishing for the best, Bertrande immediately rejects the impostor, especially his kind nature. With each act of benevolence he shows her, she becomes more determined to be rid of her. This presence of suspicion and disgust at her “husband’s” kind ways suggest a hint of masochism in Bertrande. This is further in the passage.

Even though all she knows of the former Martin is cruelty at his worst and coolness at his best, Bertrande chooses to ask the returned man, with hardly any reason to doubt him, to provide proof of his identity. If this man had been Martin, giving his past behavior, this surely would have resulted in some sort of emotional or physical strike. Yet Bertrande appears willing to risk it to satisfy her curiosity- which points perhaps to her boldness. However, it is in her In response to the imposter’s kind words that the author again indicates Bertrande’s motivation is not purely bravery: ’ “Bertrande replied in a barely audible voice: ‘If you had been Martin Guerre you would perhaps have struck me just now.’” Again Bertrande shows disappointment, through her “barely audible voice,” at her husband’s lack of harshness. Therefore, it can be understood at this point in the text that the very specific characteristic of Martin that Bertrande most misses is her husband’s cruelty, and that she will not stop her search until she encounters this meanness again, explaining why Lewis’s ending which many readers might find disturbing - choosing a harsh man over a loving one - seemingly speaks more to the presence of cruel optimism in love than the nature of ultimate truth or justice.