La Farce de Maitre Pathelin- the character of Guillemette

La Farce de Maitre Pierre Pathelin has been called "a little masterpiece". In comparison to most earlier works of French medieval literature, it is highly complex in many aspects. In the words of Cazamian, "a high level of artistic creation is reached." This essay will focus on Guillemette and study both her role in the play, and the complex nature of this character. Such a study should give the reader an idea of the plays "…

…the audience identifies with most. In this role she shows the audience how to interpret the play and to see it as a paradox of their own society, yet without addressing the audience directly. In all these ways, a study of the character of Guillemette illustrates the impressive complexity of the play. Yet the suggestion that she is a prostitute serves as a reminder that she is, after all, just a character in a Farce.