# Joan Tames the Mad Man explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

The children of Domremy learn of the Treaty of Troyes, which betrays France to the English. Joan's bravery is demonstrated when she calmly subdues a madman wielding an axe, earning her the nickname 'the Brave.' The chapter contrasts the children's patriotic outrage with Joan's quiet, selfless courage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and National Identity

The children's outrage at the Treaty of Troyes reflects deep national pride and resistance to English rule.

### Courage and Resilience

Joan's fearless confrontation of the madman exemplifies true courage, contrasting with the others' flight.

### Innocence and Purity

Joan's modesty and selfless concern for others highlight her pure character.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Shows extraordinary bravery by taming a madman with an axe; known for her modesty and selflessness.

### Louis de Conte

Narrator; feels ashamed for running away during the madman incident.

### The Paladin

Boastful boy who claims he would lead charges but is exposed as a coward.

### Noël Rainguesson

Attempts to justify his flight from the madman; also called Étienne Roze (the Sunflower).

### Pierre d'Arc

Joan's brother; comforts her after the news of the treaty.

### Mengette

Little Mengette; first to spot the black flag and later questions Joan about her bravery.

### Haumette

Calms the group to hear the full news of the treaty.

### Edmond Aubrey

Called the Paladin; argues against the treaty's legality and boasts of future military exploits.

## Key lines

> We were all patriots, but she was called the Patriot, because our warmest feeling for our country was cold beside hers.

Everyone in the group loved France, but Joan's devotion was so intense that it made theirs seem weak in comparison.

_Highlights Joan's exceptional patriotism._

> It was not a great matter. It was not as if I had been a stranger to the man. I know him, and have known him long; and he knows me, and likes me.

Joan downplays her bravery, explaining that her familiarity with the madman made the encounter less dangerous.

_Shows Joan's humility and practical reasoning._

> The fact is, I was taken by surprise. That is the reason. If I had had a moment to think, I would no more have thought of running that I would think of running from a baby.

Noël claims he only fled because he was caught off guard, insisting he would not be afraid under normal circumstances.

_Illustrates the boys' attempts to rationalize their cowardice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/iv-joan-tames-the-mad-man
- 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