Metaphor In The Wife Of Bisclavret

There is a uniqueness in Lay in terms of an extended use of werewolf metaphor. Though it is a straightforward metaphor but it is pertinent to understand that wolf is a representation of our beastly side or to be more apt, the sexual side. The lay handles its implications in a much more skilful fashion than what is suggested by a simple interpretation as above. The lay portrays a contrast between love based on loyalty and one based on selfishness and devoid of understanding. The wife of Bisclavret is guilty of the latter. Marie projects their relationship as strong and loving initially, and yet strives to physically portray the wife of Bisclavret, while Bisclavret is portrayed as noble and popular (Marie, 2004). Undoubtedly, there is empathy for the horror experienced by the wife upon discovering her husband’s reality of turning

However, she remains unaffected by his shameful predicament; all that she could see is the reality that he does change. It is ironic to discover her beastly side that comes to the forefront for vanquishing her connection to his inner beast. Though she cannot transform herself physically, but her self-worth as a sexual being competes with her husband’s beastly nature as a werewolf. Upon learning about his curse, she is filled with vindictiveness and uses her body for attracting the knight whom she never loved before for doing her dirty work. She and the knight are self-centred persons who want to fulfil their physical desires at the cost of Bisclavret’s happiness which reflects their animal side as well (Marie, 2004). The revenge of Bisclavret on his former wife is devoid of torture or even death except for the de-nosing as Bisclavret wanted to puncture her vanity. Bisclavret’s mature and balanced manner of handling his own beastly nature contrasts with the selfish and impulsive nature of his former wife who immediately sold her body to her