Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
Joan Gives the Fatal Answer explained
Joan relapses by resuming male attire after guards steal her female clothing.
What happens
Joan relapses by resuming male attire after guards steal her female clothing. She reaffirms her Voices and mission, leading to her condemnation. Cauchon and the English celebrate, while Louis and Manchon despair.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Martyrdom
Joan is betrayed by the guards who steal her dress, and her trust in the Church's promises is broken, leading to her martyrdom.
Truth Versus Propaganda
Joan's truthful reaffirmation of her Voices is twisted by Cauchon and the English to justify her execution.
Injustice and Corruption of Power
Cauchon and the English manipulate the trial to ensure Joan's death, ignoring the terms of her abjuration.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Relapses by wearing male attire again, reaffirms her divine mission, and expresses her desire to die rather than endure captivity.
- Louis de Conte
Narrates the chapter; initially hopeful of rescue, then devastated by the news of Joan's relapse and fatal answer.
- Pierre Cauchon
Gloats over Joan's relapse, orchestrates the questioning, and declares 'it's all over with her' to Warwick.
- Manchon
Reluctantly accompanies Louis to the dungeon; writes 'Responsio Mortifera' (Fatal Answer) in the margin.
- Earl of Warwick
Provides an escort for Louis and Manchon; receives the news of Joan's relapse from Cauchon.
Key passages
“I would rather die than continue so. But if they may be taken off, and if I may hear Mass, and be removed to a penitential prison, and have a woman about me, I will be good, and will do what shall seem good to you that I do.”
Joan pleads for her chains to be removed, to attend Mass, and to have a female attendant, promising to comply with the Church's demands.
Shows Joan's desperation and willingness to compromise, yet Cauchon ignores her plea.
“My Voices told me I did very wrong to confess that what I had done was not well.”
Joan states that her Voices revealed she was wrong to abjure, indicating she did not fully understand her actions on the scaffold.
Highlights Joan's continued belief in her divine mission and the coercion of her abjuration.
“I would rather do my penance all at once; let me die. I cannot endure captivity any longer.”
Joan expresses her wish to be executed immediately rather than suffer further imprisonment.
Reflects her profound despair and longing for release from suffering.