# What the English Answered explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

Joan awaits an army and inquires about her earlier proclamation to the English. She dictates a bold letter demanding the English surrender and leave France, warning them of divine retribution. The English refuse, threatening to burn her. She proposes a single combat challenge to Lord Talbot, which is also refused. She then sends Dunois to Blois to secure the army against the King's officials who are trying to disband it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Divine Mission

Joan's proclamation repeatedly asserts she is sent by God and that God wills King Charles to hold France.

### Courage and Resilience

Joan boldly challenges the English to single combat and refuses to be intimidated by their threats.

### Truth Versus Propaganda

Joan's letter contrasts divine truth with English claims, and the King's officials spread falsehoods to hinder the army.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Dictates a fierce proclamation to the English, sends heralds, and proposes a challenge to Lord Talbot.

### Dunois

Witnesses Joan's challenge to Talbot and is sent to Blois to take command of the army.

### Lord Talbot

Receives Joan's challenge but refuses it.

### Bedford

Addressed in Joan's proclamation as the Regent of France.

### Charles VII

Mentioned as the rightful king whom God wills to hold France.

### Regnault de Chartres

One of the King's officials trying to disperse the army at Blois.

## Key lines

> Render to the Maid who is sent by God the keys of all the good towns you have taken and violated in France.

Hand over the keys of every French town you have seized and defiled to the Maid, who is God's envoy.

_Joan demands the English surrender their occupied towns._

> Come out of your bastilles with your host, and I will come with mine; if I beat you, go in peace out of France; if you beat me, burn me, according to your desire.

Leave your fortresses with your army and I will meet you with mine; if I win, you leave France unharmed; if you win, burn me as you wish.

_Joan proposes a decisive single battle to end the siege._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xiv-what-the-english-answered
- 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