# All Ready to Condemn explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

Louis de Conte describes the eve and morning of Joan's trial. He witnesses the preparations, the hostile crowd, and the intimidating court led by Bishop Cauchon. As Joan is brought in chains, Louis's hope collapses, contrasting her past triumphs with her present captivity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Injustice and Corruption of Power

The trial is a sham, with Cauchon and his court predetermined to condemn Joan, using legal sophistry against an uneducated girl.

### Courage and Resilience

Joan faces her accusers in chains, her spirit unbroken despite long imprisonment and overwhelming odds.

### Betrayal and Martyrdom

The chapter foreshadows Joan's martyrdom as she is handed over to a hostile court, betrayed by those who should protect her.

## Character check-ins

### Louis de Conte

Narrator and secretary to Manchon; deeply distressed by the impending trial, recalls Joan's past glory.

### Noël Rainguesson

Louis's friend; sent to secure a place at the trial to see Joan.

### Pierre Cauchon

Bishop of Beauvais, president of the tribunal; described as obese, malignant, and feared by all.

### Joan of Arc

The accused; enters in chains, worn by captivity, yet still the object of reverence and pity.

### Manchon

Louis's master; a court scribe who is saddened and prepares for the trial.

### La Hire

Mentioned as a possible rescuer in Louis's desperate hopes.

## Key lines

> The fat Bishop has got things as he wants them at last, and says he will lead the vile witch a merry dance and a short one.

The English soldiers and their sympathizers gleefully remark that Cauchon has finally arranged the trial to his liking and intends to quickly condemn Joan.

_Reflects the public anticipation of Joan's condemnation._

> I asked myself what chance an ignorant poor country-girl of nineteen could have in such an unequal conflict; and my heart sank down low, very low.

Louis despairs, realizing Joan must defend herself alone against a panel of fifty learned churchmen determined to convict her.

_Highlights the disparity in power and education between Joan and her judges._

> Produce the accused!

The court orders Joan to be brought before them.

_Marks the formal beginning of the trial._

## Links

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