Marie De France’s portrayal of “Bisclavert” is a commentary on the expected social roles in the mediaeval time period and how deviations from upholding these expectations lead to undesirable consequences. Her allusions to the importance of maintaining loyalty and chivalry allows one to determine the significance that these values held in society. For example, the betrayal of a husband by the wife was deemed to be prohibited and a harsh punishment would have been considered the norm. All major characters in this lai do not uphold to their social roles, and as a result are subjected to negative consequences. The author introduces the character of a werewolf which she uses as a tool to symbolize a man’s desire for rage and revenge. The divergence of …show more content…
The king is surprised that an animal could have human-like qualities and as a result grants him mercy and takes the wolf to his castle. In the castle, the wolf is very tranquil and displays a myriad of human-like characteristics during his stay. He is greatly loved by the king. The king hosts a party where Bisclarvet catches sight of the knight that betrayed him and he launches attacks on him. The king’s court is surprised because the wolf was never aggressive in the past. The following day Bisclavert’s ex-wife attends the king’s court and presents the king with gifts. Bisclarvet catches sight of her and attacks the wife, tearing off her nose. The king’s court is again surprised by the behavior of Bisclarvet and demand an explanation from the wife. The wife explains how she betrayed Bisclavret and took away his clothes so he would remain a wolf forever. The king demands that the wife return the clothes. She and her husband are banished and Bisclarvet turns back into human form after wearing the