Henry VI, Part I · Chapter
Scene II: The Arrival of Joan la Pucelle explained
The French commanders, Charles, Alençon, and Reignier, celebrate recent victories but are dismayed by the English resilience under Salisbury.
What happens
The French commanders, Charles, Alençon, and Reignier, celebrate recent victories but are dismayed by the English resilience under Salisbury. The Bastard of Orleans introduces Joan la Pucelle, who claims divine guidance to lift the siege of Orleans. After proving her martial prowess by defeating Charles in single combat, she inspires the French to continue the fight, declaring herself the scourge of England.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Religious Conflict
Joan claims divine visions from the Virgin Mary, positioning her mission as holy; Charles compares her inspiration to Muhammad's dove, blending religious and supernatural elements.
Gender and Female Agency
Joan defies gender norms by engaging in combat and prophecy, asserting she 'exceeds her sex' and winning the Dauphin's submission.
National Identity and Patriotism
Joan's mission is framed as freeing France from English occupation, invoking national pride and the glory of French history.
Characters to notice
- Charles the Dauphin
Initially boastful of French victories, then dismayed by English resistance; eventually awed by Joan's prophecy and combat skill, offering to be her servant.
- Joan of Arc
Introduced as a holy maid with prophetic visions; defeats Charles in single combat and declares her mission to drive the English from France.
- Duke of Alençon
Comments on English ferocity and compares them to legendary heroes; later skeptical of Charles's lengthy talk with Joan.
- Reignier
Initially suggests lifting the siege; later participates in testing Joan and supports her leadership.
- Bastard of Orleans
Brings Joan to the Dauphin and vouches for her divine inspiration and prophetic abilities.
Key passages
“Mars his true moving, even as in the heavens So in the earth, to this day is not known: Late did he shine upon the English side; Now we are victors; upon us he smiles.”
The way fortune shifts is as mysterious as the movement of Mars; it recently favored the English, but now it smiles on us French.
Charles reflects on the unpredictability of war and fortune.
“I am by birth a shepherd's daughter, My wit untrain'd in any kind of art. Heaven and our Lady gracious hath it pleased To shine on my contemptible estate.”
I was born a lowly shepherd's daughter with no education, but heaven and the Virgin Mary have chosen to bless my humble state.
Joan explains her humble origins and divine calling.
“Glory is like a circle in the water, Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself Till by broad spreading it disperse to nought. With Henry's death the English circle ends; Dispersed are the glories it included.”
Fame spreads like ripples in water, growing until it fades away; with King Henry V's death, England's glory has dissipated.
Joan prophesies the decline of English power following Henry V's death.