The novel, "The Wife of Martin Guerre," is set in the village of Artigues in 1539. The protagonist, Bertrande De Rols, experienced incredible hardship and despair caused primarily by Martin's long absence. In addition, Bertrande went through great lengths to right the morally wrong, even when those closest to her gave her no assistance. Arnaud Du Tilh and Martin Guerre also have responsibility for the dishonour which had befallen the Guerre family, therefore Bertrande is not to blame for the tragic events that enfold. Bertrande De Rols did all she can to confirm her doubts about how the man she had been living with for three years was an imposter. Bertrande questioned the man she once believed to be her husband, and asked for proof of his identity. .
He gave adequate evidence that he was not a phony and mentioned when he struck her "on the day they were married"." Bertrande also questioned his change in character which he replied, "men who have been great sinners have become great saints, referring to how he changed all those years that he was missing because he experienced a lot. .
Martin, taken aback by Bertrande's questions, suggested that her "madness is due to her pregnancy," which was responsible for her suspicions. Questioning Arnaud convinced Bertrande that she should put her fear away and she then "regarded it as a delusion"." The fact that Arnaud knew intimate details about Martins' relationship with Bertrande refuted .
the idea that he was an imposter. Additionally, despite the stigma attached to bringing the case publicly, she simply could not deny the truth. The fact that Bertrande courageously tried to justify Arnaud's actions publicly shows that she would take great lengths "for the sake of the truth." Overall, Bertrande is not to blame for the dishonour, which has befallen the Guerre family because of how courageous she was to make the confronting situation a public spectacle, and also because of how deceptive and scheming Arnaud was to convince her that he was the real Martin.
