# Joan Gives the Fatal Answer explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxii-joan-gives-the-fatal-answer
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