"Bertrandes's decision to expose Arnaud as an imposter was both selfish and foolish"

“Bertrande’s decision to expose Arnaud as an impostor was both selfish and foolish”

Throughout the Novel “The Wife of Martin Guerre” by Janet Lewis, the decision made by Bertrande to expose Arnaud as Martin’s impostor was neither selfish nor foolish on her behalf, as it was understandable in the context of the novel’s time and culture. As Bertrande becomes more aware that the returned Martin is an impostor she, in turn, becomes distanced from Martin’s sisters, the priest and the townsfolk as she is determined to expose the awful truth. Those around her see this decision as very foolish and feel it carries a sense of betrayal. Although the impostor’s return has created security and prosperity, Bertrande feels that she has no option other than to expose Arnaud so she can maintain a personal sense of justice and morality. Whilst this can be seen as foolish and selfish, it is also common sense and moral a decision.

Bertrande was a very loyal and hard working ho...