Marguerite De Roberval: A Romance of the Days of Jacques Cartier

by Thomas Guthrie Marquis

"Marguerite De Roberval: A Romance of the Days of Jacques Cartier" by T. G. Marquis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the 16th century, during the days of French exploration and colonization when Jacques Cartier was a prominent figure. It centers on the adventures of key characters such as Jacques Cartier, Claude de Pontbriand, and the titular Marguerite de Roberval, exploring themes of adventure, love, and the complexities of early encounters between Europeans and indigenous peoples. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the characters of Jacques Cartier and Claude de Pontbriand, who express their yearning for adventure and potential voyages to the New World. Cartier is filled with nostalgia and ambition as he dreams of returning to the lands he has previously explored, while Pontbriand cautions him about the friendships they may have lost with the Native tribes due to previous actions, particularly regarding their treatment of indigenous leaders. Meanwhile, Marguerite de Roberval is depicted as a strong-willed and beautiful woman who longs for the freedom of the vast outside world and faces the constraints of her current life in St. Malo. As the narrative unfolds, tensions related to colonial ambition, family honor, and romantic entanglements begin to emerge, leading to conflicts and choices that will define the paths of these characters.