The Return Of Martin Guerre By Natalie Zemon Davis

In The Return of Martin Guerre, Natalie Zemon Davis uses her sources through Jean de Coras to recreate and analyze the trials of Arnaud du Tilh, Martin Guerre, and his wife, Bertrande as a microhistory to gain a perspective and a glimpse of life for the average peasant during this time period.
Natalie Zemon Davis’ sources are of diverse bases. Her main source, however is from Jean de Coras. Coras was a judge in part of the case in Toulouse. He was present, and his credibility enables him. From a well educated background, his qualifications verify his interpretation to Martin Guerre’s case. Not only was he present for the trial, he was one of the ten judges overseeing the case. He was also a skilled lawyer and professor at a university.
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Through this, she herself had stated she invented parts of the story to fill in the spaces. “I did my best through other sources from the period and place to discover the world they would have seen and the reactions they might have had. What I offer you here is in part of my invention, but held tightly by the voices of the past.” She partially invents aspects of the story for lack of evidence. For example, during the marriage or the original Martin Guerre and Bertrande before he leaves, they are unable to have child for several years. “The young men who fenced and boxed with Martin must have darkened their faces, put on women’s clothes, and assembled in front of the Guerre house, beating on wine vats, ringing bells, and rattling swords.” Due to local traditions Davis speculated what the neighbors and community would have done to embarrass and humiliate Martin for his impotence.
The Return of Martin Guerre is written as a microhistory, because of its specific concentration on a small region and specific people of low birth. It is also a narrative due to the way Davis writes. She, like Coras engages the reader by the style of writing to make it more of a story than a legal document. But this book is also an example of contextualization. It is an analysis and study of the case

She gave specific details on what it was like to live in the town of Artigat; a strategic location, and a look into their customs of inheritance. “In Basque country, the heirs divided the land and live near one another.” However, when the Guerres moved to Artigat, “inherited land could be sold.” In the sense of personal identity, Davis explains it was fairly easy for Arnaud du Tilh to learn about Martin and his life. The two likely met in the military. But when confronted as Martin Guerre, he did all but deny