# VII: She Delivers the Divine Command explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

Joan of Arc, accompanied by her uncle Laxart, delivers her divine command to Robert de Baudricourt, governor of Vaucouleurs, requesting an escort to the Dauphin so she may lead the French army and drive the English out of France. Despite being mocked and dismissed, Joan remains resolute, later revealing to Louis de Conte the full extent of her mission as ordained by her Voices.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Divine Mission

Joan's unwavering belief in her Voices and her divine appointment to save France is the central theme of the chapter.

### Courage and Resilience

Despite ridicule and rejection, Joan persists in her mission, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience.

### Gender and Leadership

Joan, a young peasant girl, challenges societal norms by claiming military leadership, facing skepticism and mockery from male authorities.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Delivers her divine command to the governor, displaying newfound authority and resolve.

### Laxart

Accompanies Joan to Vaucouleurs but is overcome with fear and embarrassment in the presence of the governor.

### Robert de Baudricourt

Governor of Vaucouleurs who dismisses Joan's request and orders her to be whipped, though he later shows grudging admiration.

### Louis de Conte

Observes Joan's transformation and is entrusted with her secrets, agreeing to support her mission.

## Key lines

> My message is to you, Robert de Baudricourt, governor of Vaucouleurs, and it is this: that you will send and tell the Dauphin to wait and not give battle to his enemies, for God will presently send him help.

Joan commands the governor to inform the Dauphin to hold off fighting, as divine aid is imminent.

_Joan's first public declaration of her divine mission, establishing her role as God's messenger._

> That he may make me his general, for it is appointed that I shall drive the English out of France, and set the crown upon his head.

Joan requests an escort to the Dauphin so she can be appointed general to expel the English and crown the king.

_Joan boldly asserts her destined military leadership, shocking the assembly._

> You refuse me the soldiers, I know not why, for it is my Lord that has commanded you. Yes, it is He that has made the command; therefore I must come again, and yet again; then I shall have the men-at-arms.

Joan predicts she will persist until the governor relents, as God's command is absolute.

_Demonstrates Joan's prophetic confidence and determination despite initial rejection._

## Links

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