Tristan and the Sainte-Marthes: Fresh looks at an initiatory encounter

The young Tristan’s meeting with the Sainte-Marthe family, in Poitiers and Loudun, possesses an initiatory dimension: Scévole, the wise and erudite old man, embodies success both in belles-lettres and in the affairs of the kingdom. He appears as a counterpoint to the charlatan alchemist from the Page. By entrusting Tristan with the care of his library, he allows him to expand his knowledge and strengthen his literary skills. But does this initiation bring all the expected benefits?