Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
The Governor Speeds Joan explained
Joan returns to Vaucouleurs with Laxart and stays with Catherine Royer.
What happens
Joan returns to Vaucouleurs with Laxart and stays with Catherine Royer. Her mission becomes widely known, and common people flock to her, believing she is sent by God to save France. A prophecy of Merlin is recalled, fueling hope. Joan's brothers bring their parents' blessing. She repeatedly confronts Governor Robert de Baudricourt, who initially refuses to send her to the King. The Sieur Jean de Metz and the Sieur Bertrand de Poulengy pledge their support. Baudricourt eventually tests Joan by bringing a priest to exorcise her, but finds no devil. Joan predicts a battle lost near Orleans on that very day, and when the news confirms it, Baudricourt gives her a letter and sends her off with men-at-arms. They depart secretly at night.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's unwavering belief in her divine calling and her Voices, which guide her actions and predictions.
Courage and Resilience
Joan's persistence in the face of Baudricourt's repeated refusals and her determination to go to the King despite obstacles.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The contrast between the common people's belief in Joan and the skepticism of the well-to-do, and the testing of her truthfulness through the prophecy.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Stays with Catherine Royer, speaks openly about her divine mission, confronts Baudricourt repeatedly, predicts the Battle of the Herrings, and finally departs for the King.
- Laxart
Takes Joan to Vaucouleurs and finds lodging for her.
- Jean de Metz
Visits Joan, initially playful but becomes earnest, pledges fealty and promises to take her to the King.
- Bertrand de Poulengy
Pledges his oath and knightly honor to follow Joan.
- Robert de Baudricourt
Governor of Vaucouleurs, initially refuses Joan, tests her with a priest, and finally sends her to the King after her prophecy proves true.
- Pierre d'Arc
Joan's brother, travels to Vaucouleurs with Jean, bringing their parents' blessing.
- Louis de Conte
Narrator, housed near Joan, witnesses events, and departs with her.
- The Paladin
Mentioned as part of the group that departs with Joan.
Key passages
“I must still come to you until I get the men-at-arms; for so it is commanded, and I may not disobey. I must go to the Dauphin, though I go on my knees.”
Joan insists she will keep returning to Baudricourt until he provides soldiers, as her divine command requires her to reach the Dauphin even if she must crawl.
Shows Joan's steadfast obedience to her mission.
“To rescue France. And it is appointed that I shall do it. For no one else in the world, neither kings, nor dukes, no any other, can recover the kingdom of France, and there is no help but in me.”
Joan declares her sole purpose is to save France, as no one else is destined to do so.
Highlights her conviction of a unique divine role.
“In God's name, Robert de Baudricourt, you are too slow about sending me, and have caused damage thereby, for this day the Dauphin's cause has lost a battle near Orleans, and will suffer yet greater injury if you do not send me to him soon.”
Joan rebukes Baudricourt for his delay, claiming her Voices have told her of a battle lost that very day near Orleans.
Demonstrates her prophetic claim and urgency.
