Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
X: The Inquisitors at Their Wits’ End explained
The court resumes its session on March 3, frustrated by Joan's steadfastness.
What happens
The court resumes its session on March 3, frustrated by Joan's steadfastness. Despite their legal expertise and packed jury, they cannot break her. They question her about her apparitions, male attire, banner, and the honors she received, hoping to find grounds for condemnation. Joan remains composed, answering with dignity and fire, even when confronted with accusations of blasphemy and suicide. The session is stormy, with multiple inquisitors shouting at once, but Joan holds her ground.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Corruption of Power
The court, composed of powerful churchmen, uses its authority to entrap a defenseless young woman, ignoring legal fairness.
Courage and Resilience
Joan remains steadfast and composed under relentless questioning, refusing to be broken by the court's tactics.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The inquisitors twist Joan's words and actions, seeking to turn her popular support into evidence of heresy.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
The prisoner, steadfast and composed, answers the court's questions with dignity and fire, refusing to be trapped.
- Louis de Conte
The narrator, observing the stormy session and reflecting on the court's frustration.
- Pierre Cauchon
Presiding judge, leading the interrogation and attempting to force Joan into a conviction.
- Beaupere
One of the inquisitors, participating in the volley of questions.
- Manchon
Mentioned as 'that good Manchon' in the context of the trial.
- Nicolas Loyseleur
One of the inquisitors, part of the court's efforts to entrap Joan.
- Guillaume Erard
One of the inquisitors, involved in the questioning.
- Jean Massieu
Mentioned as Maître Jean Massieu, likely present as an officer of the court.
Key passages
“The whole court was out of patience; and with good reason. These threescore distinguished churchmen, illustrious tacticians, veteran legal gladiators, had left important posts where their supervision was needed, to journey hither from various regions and accomplish a most simple and easy matter—condemn and send to death a country-lass of nineteen who could neither read nor write, knew nothing of the wiles and perplexities of legal procedure, could not call a single witness in her defense, was allowed no advocate or adviser, and must conduct her case by herself against a hostile judge and a packed jury.”
The court was frustrated because they expected an easy conviction of an uneducated teenage girl, but she proved unexpectedly resilient.
Highlights the court's arrogance and the unfairness of the trial.
“What I said to them was, ‘Ride those English down!’ and I did it myself.”
Joan told her soldiers to charge the English, and she led the charge herself.
Shows Joan's soldierly spirit and defiance of the court's puerile questions.
“It is not true. I have never cursed. It is not my custom to swear.”
Joan denies ever blaspheming, stating that swearing is not her habit.
Joan defends her character against false accusations of blasphemy.
