Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc
A late 19th-century biography that captures the remarkable true story of a peasant girl who heard voices from God and changed the course of history. Ronald Sutherland Gower tells of Joan of Arc's journey from the humble village of Domrémy to the battlefields of France, where her unwavering conviction lifted a nation's spirits and turned the tide of the Hundred Years' War. The narrative traces her meteoric rise: arriving at Orléans in 1429 with her banner, driving the English from the city in just nine days, and witnessing the coronation of Charles VII at Reims. But it also chronicles her tragic fall: the failed sieges, her capture by the Burgundians, and her trial for heresy. Written with Victorian reverence for religious devotion and heroic virtue, this account preserves the romantic spirit of an age that saw Joan as the soul of France. It remains compelling reading for anyone drawn to stories of conviction against impossible odds, of a teenager who remade herself into a warrior and was martyred for her beliefs.
About Joan of Arc
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Joan's early life in Domremy, her first visions of Saint Michael at age thirteen, and her eventual journey to Vaucouleurs to convince Robert de Baudricourt to help her reach the Dauphin. Despite initial rejection, she perseveres and gains an escort to Chinon.
- 2
- Joan arrives at Chinon, convinces Charles VII of her mission, and leads the relief of Orleans. After lifting the siege in four days, she defeats the English at Patay, proving her military genius and divine favor.
- 3
- Joan leads Charles VII on a triumphant march to Rheims, capturing towns along the way. The coronation takes place with great ceremony, fulfilling Joan's primary mission, though she has premonitions of her coming capture.
Key Themes
- Divine Mission vs. Human Authority
- Joan's claim to divine revelation challenges both secular and religious authorities. Her voices command her to fulfill God's will, but earthly powers condemn her as heretical, creating the central tension of the narrative.
- Patriotism and National Identity
- Joan embodies pure love of country, willing to sacrifice everything for France's liberation. Her patriotism transcends class and politics, inspiring common people while threatening those who profit from foreign occupation.
- Corruption of Power
- The book exposes how religious and political authorities corrupt their sacred duties for personal gain. Cauchon sells his episcopal office for English gold, while nobles betray their country for profit.
Characters
- Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc)(protagonist)
- A peasant maiden from Domremy who claimed divine visions commanding her to drive the English from France and crown the Dauphin. She became France's greatest military hero before being captured, tried for heresy, and executed at age 19.
- Charles VII (the Dauphin)(major)
- The uncrowned King of France, weak and vacillating, who Joan convinced to accept her mission. She led him to coronation at Rheims but he failed to rescue her from captivity.
- Pierre Cauchon(antagonist)
- Bishop of Beauvais who presided over Joan's trial and execution. A corrupt prelate who sold Joan to the English for gold and hoped to gain the Archbishopric of Rouen.
- Duke of Bedford(antagonist)
- English Regent of France who orchestrated Joan's capture and trial. He saw her as the greatest threat to English rule in France.
- Duke of Alençon(major)
- Young French noble who became Joan's close friend and military companion. She called him 'her knight' and promised his wife to bring him back safely from campaigns.
- Dunois (Bastard of Orleans)(major)
- Illegitimate son of the Duke of Orleans, commander of Orleans' defense. A skilled military leader who became Joan's ally and testified to her abilities.
