Chapter 1, From Hendaye to Artigat Summary and Analysis

"The Return of Martin Guerre" is a reconstruction of the famous case of Martin Guerre's return to the small town of Artigat in Southern France after being absent for eight years or so. However, the returning "Martin" is actually an impostor named Arnaud du Tilh. After the so-called Martin Guerre has a dispute over family finances and the sale of some lands that the family owns, he is accused by his uncle and father-in-law Pierre Guerre of being an impostor. Arnaud is put on trial and is convicted, but then appeals the case. He is about to be acquitted when the real Martin Guerre shows up.

The author discusses the legal precedents to this case. There are some sources from the Middle Ages on the subject of cases of adultery. In one case...