Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
Joan's Masterstroke Diverted explained
The chapter details the ongoing trial where Joan faces accusations from a corrupt ecclesiastical court.
What happens
The chapter details the ongoing trial where Joan faces accusations from a corrupt ecclesiastical court. The judges twist her past actions, including the marriage case at Toul, to portray her as a relapsed sinner. Joan defends herself, explaining her reasons for wearing male attire and her plans to rescue the Duke of Orleans. She speaks of her Voices' promise of deliverance through a great victory and her acceptance of martyrdom. The court attempts to trap her into submitting her mission to the Church's judgment, but she skillfully distinguishes between her obedience as a Christian and the divine origin of her mission.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Corruption of Power
The court's manipulation of Joan's past actions and their use of false accusations demonstrate the corruption of the ecclesiastical tribunal.
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's unwavering trust in her Voices and her distinction between Church authority and her divine mission highlight her deep faith.
Courage and Resilience
Joan's steadfast defense of her actions and her acceptance of martyrdom show remarkable courage under relentless persecution.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The court twists the truth about Joan's marriage case and her vow, using propaganda to construct a false narrative against her.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Defends herself against false accusations, explains her vow and male attire, speaks of her Voices' promise of deliverance and martyrdom.
- Pierre Cauchon
Presides as an unfair judge; Joan warns him of danger from St. Catherine's promised help.
- The Paladin
Mentioned in the context of the marriage case at Toul; Joan defeated him in court years earlier.
- Louis de Conte
Narrator and witness to the trial; reflects on Joan's words and his own hopes for a rescue.
- Noël Rainguesson
Mentioned as having planned a rescue attempt with Louis de Conte.
- Jean de la Fontaine
Asks questions during the trial, including a trap about Joan's certainty of salvation.
Key passages
“I would have taken English prisoners enough in France for his ransom; and failing that, I would have invaded England and brought him out by force.”
Joan stated that she would have captured sufficient English prisoners to ransom the Duke of Orleans, or if that failed, she would have launched an invasion of England to free him.
Joan explains her practical plan to rescue the Duke of Orleans, reflecting her direct and determined approach.
“But what my Voices have said clearest is, that I shall be delivered by a great victory.”
Joan says that her Voices have most clearly told her that she will be freed through a great triumph.
Joan's ambiguous prophecy about her deliverance, which Louis de Conte initially interprets as a military rescue.
“And always they say 'Submit to whatever comes; do not grieve for your martyrdom; from it you will ascend into the Kingdom of Paradise.'”
Joan reports that her Voices consistently tell her to accept whatever happens and not to mourn her suffering, as it will lead to heaven.
Joan reveals the Voices' counsel to accept martyrdom, which Louis de Conte fears may refer to death by fire.
“I will submit them to Our Lord who sent me. It would seem to me that He and His Church are one, and that there should be no difficulty about this matter.”
Joan declares that she will submit her mission to God, who commanded it, and suggests that God and the Church are united, so there should be no conflict.
Joan skillfully avoids the trap of submitting her divine mission to the court's judgment, asserting the unity of God and Church.
