Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
XL: Treachery Conquers Joan explained
Joan's attempt to take Paris is thwarted not by the English but by the treachery of the French court, led by La Tremouille.
What happens
Joan's attempt to take Paris is thwarted not by the English but by the treachery of the French court, led by La Tremouille. After being wounded by a crossbow bolt, she is forced to abandon the assault when King Charles forbids further attacks and breaks a bridge built for a new assault. The King makes a truce with Burgundy, ending the campaign, and Joan is compelled to leave St. Denis against her will, her Voices having commanded her to stay. The chapter marks the first major victory of treachery over Joan's military genius.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Martyrdom
Joan is betrayed by her own king and court, particularly La Tremouille, who undermines her military successes and forces her to abandon Paris.
Injustice and Corruption of Power
The King's cowardice and La Tremouille's self-serving schemes corrupt the just cause, leading to Joan's defeat by treachery rather than by the enemy.
Courage and Resilience
Despite being wounded and heartbroken, Joan insists she could take Paris and refuses to retire, showing extraordinary spirit.
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's Voices command her to stay at St. Denis, and she obeys them over the King's order, demonstrating her unwavering faith.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Wounded by a crossbow bolt at Paris, carried away by force, and heartbroken by the King's betrayal; she later submits to being moved from St. Denis against her will.
- Charles VII
Weak and easily manipulated by La Tremouille, he forbids the assault on Paris, breaks the bridge, and makes a truce, effectively betraying Joan.
- De la Tremouille
The chief architect of treachery, he beguiles the King into using compulsion against Joan, fearing her power if left to herself.
- La Hire
Implied as part of the army; not directly mentioned but present in the campaign.
- Dunois
Implied as part of the army; not directly mentioned but present in the campaign.
- Raoul de Gaucourt
Helps carry the wounded Joan away from the assault on Paris.
- Dunois
Not directly mentioned in this excerpt.
Key passages
“Joan of Arc, who had never been defeated by the enemy, was defeated by her own King.”
Joan, undefeated in battle, was ultimately undone by the treachery of King Charles.
Highlights the irony of Joan's downfall coming from within her own side.
“She hung up her white armor in the royal basilica of St. Denis, and went and asked the King to relieve her of her functions and let her go home.”
Joan symbolically retired her armor and requested to be released from her command.
Marks the end of her active military campaign and her disillusionment.
“It could have been taken!—it could have been taken!”
Joan repeatedly lamented that Paris could have been captured if not for the King's interference.
Shows her frustration and certainty of victory.
