In the 1600s, a time of strict social constructs and regulations, it was definitely a difficult time for women. They were expected to share the same mindset of that of their husband’s, and support their husband’s every decision. If ever a woman would transcend society’s boundaries and/or commit a crime, she would be publicly humiliated and punished. Madame de Sevigne, in her 1676 letter, writes about the Brinviller’s affair and the impact it created in French society using effective diction and tone.
Madame de Sevigne begins her letter by giving a brief summary of the background of the affair, and very obviously portraying the social importance of the incident by writing “The Brinvillers Affair is still the only thing talked about in Paris”. After establishing the basic facts, Sevigne progresses enouncing‒ in chronological order‒ her opinions and commentaries as well as the opinions of others. Her ambivalence towards the Marquise is also evident when she admiringly states that the Marquise “mounted the scaffold with a firm step and died as she had lived, resolutely, and without fear or emotion” and later contradicts herself when hoping that no one would inhale her (the Marquise’s) “murderous instincts”. …show more content…
By the end of the letter, the purpose of the passage is clearly for a strict gossiping matter which solidifies the draconian view of society towards a woman. The author’s point of view is clarified through her use of diction and mention of the public perception. The reader’s subconscious mind is lead to believe that this event is extremely scandalous through Sevigne’s use of words such as “affair” and “exposed”. Similarly we are presented with words such as “halter” and the fact that she (Marquise) laid on straw in a wagon as she was taken to her execution to depict the severity of her