Chapter 2, the Discontented Peasant Summary and Analysis

Martin Guerre, according to the account by Jean de Coras, suffers from sexual impotence for the first eight years of his marriage. The couple is described as "bewitched." It is usual that a couple that has no children for several years after being married are made fun of. The young men in the neighborhood may have even dressed up as girls in front of Martin Guerre's house and danced around in jest.

Suddenly, an old woman appears, and somehow "lifts the spell" of the couple's bewitchment. The marriage is consummated and a pregnancy and a son results, with the son named Sanxi. Meanwhile Martin works for his father Sanxi and uncle, Pierre. He enjoys swordplay and acrobatics with the local young men. It is hypothesized by the author that Martin wants freedom from the constraints...