Analysis Of The Return Of Martin Guerre

In early modern Europe, the 16th century presented a turning point in history where identities and values were challenged. Given the fluctuating state of identities, could the crisis of power centralization precipitate skepticism on the heroes of The Return of Martin Guerre? Can the monumental epistemological changes of the time (e.g. The Reformations and Counter Reformation, the rise of Protestantism, rational individualization in thought) be adequately conveyed or fully reflected using micro-histories?
The aim of micro-history is to utilize a micro-story as a means of representing a larger macro-culture. Micro-history focuses on a single individual or region, often representing peasant culture. In The Return of Martin Guerre, care is taken to make them accessible, while not directly focusing on the macro characteristics encompassing the events of the times. The goal is to draw the reader into the intended focus, whether it is to the community or individual.
Davis’ The Return of Martin Guerre is challenged when trying to connect the heroes to the current or modern times. Despite Arnaud’s teetering morality, ethical behavior or actions, he was still able to develop a modern identity. He effectively presented himself in the necessary role of Martin Guerre, as though he was a professional actor or artist.
Davis fashions Arnaud as the link between the popular and elite cultures – using his self–molded role play of the elite circles of the 16th century. Does Arnaud successfully demonstrate the 16th century sense of personal identity using his own brand of self-fashioning into another man’s identity? He does successfully recognize this self-identity and delivers this role play with ease. However the ease and acceptance of ...

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...icro-history cannot prove or insure that the hero represents the true peasant culture. She uses sympathy for the subjects as a means to personalize and identify their story to the reader. In doing so, it’s easier to present the micro-historical protagonists as a representation of the peasant culture. She focuses on the subjects and their micro-story sequence of events without the perspective of the macro-history. In reality, Davis cannot confirm or substantiate full representation of the peasant culture, but instead conveys her interpretation of the subject at hand, and possibly herself as well.
In addition, the micro-historical events left the viewer to their own interpretations and imaginations of what transpired. The intention of using popular culture to convincingly replicate the philosophical epistemology shifts of early modern Europe is left in question