Chapter 3, the Honor of Bertrande de Rols Summary and Analysis

Bertrande marries Martin, when she has barely started menstruating. The couple has been "bewitched" and cannot have sex. This could have been either due to Martin being impotent, or Bertrande refusing to allow her husband to approach her. During this period, Bertrande may have learned to be independent, having free time to play with Martin Guerre's sister and other girls. However, Bertrande de Rols refuses to have the marriage annulled. Then, the couple is miraculously freed from the spell, and Bertrande has a boy, named Sanxi (the younger). Shortly after, her husband Martin disappears.

Bertrande lives in a male-centered world. Yet women did do farm work as well as house work and participate in various crafts. They spin thread, and bake bread. A few women like Brugarsse of Le...