# The Betrayal explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

Joan, exhausted and pale, faces her trial in Rouen. Despite her spirited defense and appeal to the Pope, she is manipulated into signing an abjuration she does not understand, only to be betrayed by Cauchon and sentenced to perpetual imprisonment instead of the promised freedom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Martyrdom

Joan is betrayed by the Church and English authorities who manipulate her into signing an abjuration under false promises, then sentence her to perpetual imprisonment, setting the stage for her martyrdom.

### Truth Versus Propaganda

The trial is a spectacle of propaganda where Joan's truthful appeals are drowned out by the fabricated accusations and manipulated proceedings.

### Injustice and Corruption of Power

Cauchon and the judges abuse their authority to convict Joan through deception and procedural corruption, ignoring her legitimate appeal to the Pope.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Exhausted and pale, she defends her King and appeals to the Pope, but is tricked into signing an abjuration and betrayed with a sentence of perpetual imprisonment.

### Pierre Cauchon

Presides over the trial, manipulates the proceedings, and betrays Joan by sentencing her to perpetual imprisonment despite promises of freedom.

### Guillaume Erard

Preaches a long sermon accusing Joan and King Charles, but is outdone by Joan's spirited defense; later pressures her to abjure with false promises.

### Nicolas Loyseleur

Urges Joan to abjure with false assurances, then praises her for signing, complicit in the betrayal.

### Jean Massieu

Explains the term 'abjure' to Joan and reads the abjuration for her to repeat.

### Manchon

Mentioned as having leanings toward Joan, but is sidelined by Cauchon who appoints another recorder.

## Key lines

> By my faith, sir! I make bold to say and swear, on pain of death, that he is the most noble Christian of all Christians, and the best lover of the faith and the Church!

Joan defiantly declares that King Charles is the most noble Christian and a true lover of the faith, despite the preacher's accusations.

_Joan's loyalty to the King is unwavering, even as she faces condemnation._

> I appeal to the Church universal whether I ought to abjure or not!

Joan, in despair, asks the universal Church for guidance on whether she should renounce her claims.

_Her appeal highlights her confusion and the pressure she is under._

> I submit.

Joan, exhausted and overwhelmed, finally gives in and agrees to abjure.

_This moment of submission is the result of manipulation and exhaustion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xx-the-betrayal
- 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