Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
XLI: The Maid Will March No More explained
After the King's decision to halt the advance on Paris, Joan spends months in idleness at court, planning unrealizable military campaigns.
What happens
After the King's decision to halt the advance on Paris, Joan spends months in idleness at court, planning unrealizable military campaigns. She is allowed occasional sorties, including a successful assault at Saint-Pierre-le-Moutier and a raid near Lagny. In late May 1430, she leads a sortie from Compiègne against Burgundian and English forces. Despite initial success, a panic causes her troops to rout. Joan is captured after a desperate fight, and the news plunges France into mourning.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Martyrdom
Joan is abandoned by her king and left to inaction; her capture is facilitated by the closing of the gate by Flavy, symbolizing betrayal.
Courage and Resilience
Joan leads repeated assaults despite being wounded and outnumbered; her personal guard fights to the death to protect her.
Injustice and Corruption of Power
The King's refusal to press the advantage after Paris and his court's frivolity contrast with Joan's sacrifice and dedication.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Endures months of inaction at court, planning imaginary campaigns. Leads several successful sorties but is ultimately captured at Compiègne on 24 May 1430.
- Louis de Conte
Narrator, wounded and unable to ride without help; watches the battle from the walls and later learns details from eyewitnesses.
- The Paladin
Fights bravely alongside the Dwarf to protect Joan; both are killed in the final stand at the boulevard.
- Noël Rainguesson
Wounded while sheltering Joan from blows during the retreat.
- Pierre d'Arc
Joan's brother, wounded in the battle at Compiègne.
- Dunois
Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter; omitted.
- Charles VII
The King who halted Joan's advance on Paris and kept her at court; shows kindness but fails to support her military ambitions.
- La Hire
Not mentioned in this chapter; omitted.
Key passages
“Joan had Paris and France in her grip, and the Hundred Years’ War under her heel, and the King made her open her fist and take away her foot.”
Joan was on the verge of winning the war and capturing Paris, but the King forced her to abandon her advantage.
Highlights the King's decision to halt the advance, leading to Joan's subsequent inaction.
“She was a caged eagle just the same, and pined for the free air and the alpine heights and the fierce joys of the storm.”
Joan felt trapped and longed for the freedom and excitement of battle.
Metaphor for Joan's frustration during her enforced idleness at court.
“The Maid of Orleans taken! … Joan of Arc a prisoner! … the Savior of France lost to us!”
The news of Joan's capture spread, causing shock and despair among the people.
Reaction of the French populace to Joan's capture.
“Joan of Arc will march no more.”
Joan's military career has ended with her capture.
Final sentence of the chapter, marking the end of her active role in the war.
