Janet Lewis" 16th century drama, The Wife of Martin Guerre, shows how close traditional customs dictate the individual characters" lives. The extent of the effects can be great, as the text demonstrates with Martin, Bertrande, and Martin's parents. While none within the community can escape the tradition that the one "alpha-male" runs the household, there are choices: accept it, abuse it, or flee it. .
Acceptance of a tradition that your ancestors followed by was common in the 16th century. Bertrande de Rols as a child accepts the fact that she will be married to Martin for the rest of her life. It is her custom to do so. While martin is away, she grows to be her own person, Bertrande, not just Martin Guerre's wife. So much so, that she is willing to prioritise her happiness ahead of the traditions she has abided by for 28 years. She has grown to love her husband, and Bertrande is willing to fight for her peace of mind. But she wasn't in a position of power, so the fact that she would know Martin Guerre best is completely disregarded. Her knowledge is constantly battered pressured by the vast majority of the family, whereas if Pierre had spoken out on his belief, things almost certainly would be different. But no, her love for her husband and the people's oppression of her heart is what kills her.
Martin was in a lesser position of power to his father. His father would punish him, and he would punish his wife. He is to eventually rule the family and the farm, but grows impatient and challenges the power that his father traditionally has. Martin stays out late hunting a bear, and is punished not for the amazing feat of killing a bear, but for taking too long to do it. His second impatient act is far more a direct challenge, by stealing his fathers grain and planting it in his own field. He lost two teeth for killing a wild animal, what would he lose when Monsieur Guerre found out that his own son had stolen from his own stores? Their society's custom of aggressive patriarchy drives Martin away, causing the whole mess, therefore killing Bertrande, his loving wife.
