# Endnotes explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

> Chapter companion for Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain.

## What happens

The translator's endnotes provide historical commentary on various aspects of Joan of Arc's story, including the origin of La Hire's prayer, the annual celebration of Joan's entry into Orleans, the testimony of Louis de Conte in the Rehabilitation proceedings, the fate of the grace promised to Domremy, the destruction of Joan's relics during the French Revolution, the accuracy of the Great Trial account, the difficulty of translating Joan's poignant words, and the state of a historical building.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and National Identity

France's enduring love and reverence for Joan, building churches and statues, reflects deep national identity.

### Faith and Divine Mission

Joan's faith is evident in her words and the preservation of her relics; the grace she asked for Domremy is a testament to her divine mission.

### Injustice and Corruption of Power

The destruction of Joan's relics during the Revolution and the loss of the grace she secured for Domremy highlight historical injustices.

## Character check-ins

### La Hire

Originator of a famous prayer, officially recorded in the National Archives of France.

### Louis de Conte

Joan's page and secretary; his testimony in the Rehabilitation proceedings is cited as an eyewitness source.

### Joan of Arc

Her relics were destroyed in the Revolution; only a few signed documents remain; her poignant words about a fellow soldier are quoted.

## Key lines

> Il avait été à la peine, c’etait bien raison qu’il fut a l’honneur.

He had shared the hardship, so it was only right that he should share the honor.

_Joan's poignant words about a fellow soldier, noted for their untranslatable pathos._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters