# Joan Struggles with Her Twelve Lies explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xiv-joan-struggles-with-her-twelve-lies
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters