As social thought/position framed the motivations and mindset of Bertrande, and the general French society, so too does it frame the intentions of an individual. In this case, social standing and economics both drive intentions. Bertrande intended (above protecting Arnaud) to protect her reputation, which was representative of her social standing, as well as to protect the economic future of her children. Not only was her reputation being questioned in the social realm, but it was also a public legal claim against her virtue. Bertrande intended to protect her virtue to remain an accepted member of society, and in order to safeguard her reputation, Bertrande “had to manipulate the image of the woman-easily-deceived, a skill that women often
