Jeanne D'arc: Her Life and Death
1896
Jeanne D'arc: Her Life and Death
1896
Long before she became a saint, she was a peasant girl who heard voices. Margaret Oliphant, the prolific Victorian novelist and chronicler of empire, turns her considerable literary powers to the story of Joan of Arc - the unlikely warrior who rallied a fractured France and crowned its king, only to be betrayed, tried as a witch, and burned at the stake. Oliphant traces Joan's transformation from obscure village girl to national heroine with sympathy and psychological insight, examining the religious conviction that drove her, the political chaos she briefly transcended, and the tragedy of her fate at the hands of those she came to save. This is biography as Victorian moral narrative - concerned with faith, purity, and the terrible cost of being ahead of your time. For readers who want more than dates and battles: here is a woman writer asking what it means to be called, to be believed, and to be destroyed by the very people you came to save.
About Jeanne D'arc: Her Life and Death
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Sets the historical context of a divided France under English occupation, with Charles VII's legitimacy questioned and the country torn by civil war. Introduces Jeanne's birth in Domremy and her peaceful childhood.
- 2
- Describes Jeanne's first visions of St. Michael and her saints, her growing conviction of her divine mission, and her eventual journey to Vaucouleurs to convince Baudricourt to send her to the King.
- 3
- Jeanne's journey to Chinon, her recognition of Charles VII despite his disguise, her examination by theologians at Poitiers, and her preparation for military service including the discovery of her sword at Fierbois.
Key Themes
- Divine Mission vs. Human Authority
- Jeanne's claim to divine guidance conflicts with established Church and political authority, raising questions about the source of legitimate power and the individual's relationship with God.
- Nationalism and Patriotism
- The book explores the emergence of French national consciousness through Jeanne's mission to unite France against foreign occupation, contrasting true patriotism with political opportunism.
- Gender and Social Transgression
- Jeanne's adoption of male dress and military role challenges medieval gender norms, while her peasant origins disrupting noble hierarchies represents social revolution.
Characters
- Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc)(protagonist)
- A peasant girl from Domremy who claimed divine visions and led French forces to victory against the English. She crowned Charles VII and was later captured, tried, and executed.
- Charles VII(major)
- The Dauphin and later King of France, weak and indolent, who was crowned at Rheims through Jeanne's efforts. He made no attempt to rescue her when captured.
- Pierre Cauchon(antagonist)
- Bishop of Beauvais who presided over Jeanne's trial. A learned Burgundian partisan who negotiated her purchase from the English and conducted her prosecution.
- Dunois (Bastard of Orleans)(major)
- Illegitimate son of the Duke of Orleans, a skilled military commander who became one of Jeanne's most loyal supporters and witnessed her triumphs.
- Duc d'Alençon(major)
- Noble companion of Jeanne, recently ransomed from English captivity. She protected him in battle and they developed a close friendship.
- La Hire(major)
- Gascon captain and free lance, a rough soldier who became devoted to Jeanne. Known for his colorful oaths and fierce loyalty.
