Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
VI: Joan Convinces the King explained
Joan convinces King Charles VII of her divine mission by revealing his secret prayer, proving her Voices are from God.
What happens
Joan convinces King Charles VII of her divine mission by revealing his secret prayer, proving her Voices are from God. Despite the King's belief, his council delays action by sending priests to investigate Joan's past. Eventually, Joan is granted an audience, where she identifies the disguised Dauphin and wins his trust.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's revelation of the King's secret prayer demonstrates the divine origin of her Voices, solidifying her mission.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The court's trick of placing a false king on the throne is exposed by Joan's supernatural knowledge, affirming truth over deception.
Courage and Resilience
Joan remains composed and confident despite the court's elaborate tests and delays.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Reveals the King's secret prayer to prove her divine mission; identifies the disguised Dauphin at court.
- Charles VII
Convinced by Joan's revelation of his secret doubt; leads her out of the hall with honor.
- Louis de Conte
Narrates the events; observes Joan's triumph and the court's reaction.
- Jean de Metz
Anxious about Joan's performance; exults when she identifies the true Dauphin.
- Bertrand de Poulengy
Accompanies Joan to the audience; shares in the pride and tension.
- Queen Yolande
Advises Joan on courtly presentation; designs her simple yet striking costume.
- The Paladin
Mentioned as part of the young company awaiting the king's audience.
- Noël Rainguesson
Part of the group excited about the prospect of seeing the king.
Key passages
“I will give you a sign, and you shall no more doubt. There is a secret trouble in your heart which you speak of to none—a doubt which wastes away your courage, and makes you dream of throwing all away and fleeing from your realm.”
Joan offers to prove her divine mission by revealing the King's hidden doubt, which he has shared with no one.
Joan demonstrates her supernatural knowledge by disclosing the King's private prayer.
“Thou art lawful heir to the King thy father, and true heir of France. God has spoken it. Now lift up thy head, and doubt no more, but give me men-at-arms and let me get about my work.”
Joan declares that God confirms Charles's legitimate birthright and urges him to act without further hesitation.
This resolves the King's crisis of legitimacy and strengthens his resolve.
“The King himself led Joan by the hand down the great hall to the door, the glittering multitude standing and making reverence as they passed, and the silver trumpets sounding those rich notes of theirs.”
Charles VII personally escorts Joan out of the hall, a rare honor usually reserved for royalty.
This public gesture signifies the King's acceptance of Joan's mission.
