Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
Joan Struggles with Her Twelve Lies explained
In early April, Joan falls ill in prison.
What happens
In early April, Joan falls ill in prison. Cauchon exploits her weakened state, presenting the 'Twelve Lies' indictment. Despite pressure, threats of abandonment by the Church, and denial of the Sacraments, Joan remains steadfast, refusing to submit to Cauchon's tribunal. Warwick and English authorities fear her natural death might create a martyr, while Joan's unwavering fidelity to her mission and her Voices defines her response.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Corruption of Power
Cauchon and the English manipulate the trial, fabricate charges (the Twelve Lies), and deny Joan the Sacraments, abusing ecclesiastical authority for political ends.
Courage and Resilience
Despite severe illness, threats of eternal damnation, and abandonment by the Church, Joan remains steadfast in her faith and mission, embodying unyielding courage.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The Twelve Lies distort Joan's words; Manchon's marginal note highlights the deliberate falsification, contrasting the truth of Joan's statements with the tribunal's propaganda.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Ill and chained in her iron cage, Joan resists Cauchon's demands, refuses to submit to the tribunal, and remains faithful to her mission and her Voices.
- Pierre Cauchon
Exploits Joan's illness, presents the Twelve Lies, and pressures her to submit to the Church, threatening abandonment.
- Manchon
Records the proceedings and bravely notes in the margin that the Twelve Lies contradict Joan's actual statements.
- Earl of Warwick
Demands Joan be cured so she can be executed at the stake, fearing a natural death would make her a martyr.
- Jean de la Fontaine
As Jean d'Estivet, he abuses Joan over the fish poisoning suspicion, causing her fever to return, and is cursed by Warwick.
- Louis de Conte
Narrates the chapter, records events, and expresses his anguish at Joan's suffering and his awe at her steadfastness.
Key passages
“It was just like Cauchon to go there and try to get some advantage out of her weakened state.”
Cauchon, as expected, exploited Joan's illness to pressure her.
Highlights Cauchon's manipulative and unscrupulous character.
“She was willing to submit all her acts to this Rouen tribunal except those done by the command of God in fulfillment of her mission.”
Joan would accept the court's judgment on her actions, but not on those commanded by God for her divine mission.
Clarifies Joan's nuanced position on submission to the Church.
“The Church calls upon you to submit; disobey, and she will abandon you as if you were a pagan!”
Submit to the Church's authority, or be cast out like a non-believer.
The ultimate threat used to coerce Joan, leveraging fear of excommunication and damnation.
“I am a good Christian born and baptized, and a good Christian I will die.”
I have always been a faithful Christian, and I will remain so until my death.
Joan's serene declaration of her unwavering faith and identity.
