Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
XXIII: Joan Inspires the Tawdry King explained
After the English evacuation of Orleans, Joan and her generals travel to Tours to report to King Charles VII.
What happens
After the English evacuation of Orleans, Joan and her generals travel to Tours to report to King Charles VII. The King, dressed in extravagant and frivolous attire, receives Joan with unexpected grace and offers her a reward. Joan refuses personal gain, pleading only that he march to Rheims for his coronation. She reveals she has only a year to live, moving the King to ennoble her and her family with the surname 'du Lis.' Joan, however, prefers to remain simply Joan of Arc.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Resilience
Joan's unwavering determination to complete her mission despite her wound and her foreknowledge of her short life.
Injustice and Corruption of Power
The contrast between Joan's selfless service and the King's frivolous court, and the political maneuvering that delays the coronation.
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's sense of divine purpose, her plea to be used quickly, and her acceptance of her fate as part of God's plan.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The King's later title 'Charles the Victorious' contrasted with his true character as 'Charles the Base' in the narrator's view.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Returns to the King after the victory at Orleans, refuses personal reward, pleads for the coronation march, and reveals her premonition of a short life.
- Charles VII
The 'Tawdry King' dressed in extravagant fashion; initially gracious, he ennobles Joan and her family but hesitates on the coronation march due to courtly influence.
- Louis de Conte
Narrator and page; critical of the King's frivolity and the courtiers, but acknowledges Charles's better moments in this chapter.
- The Paladin
Mentioned as part of Joan's company; not directly active in this chapter.
- Noël Rainguesson
Mentioned as part of Joan's company; not directly active in this chapter.
- La Hire
Mentioned as one of Joan's generals present at the festivities and the journey to Tours.
- Dunois
Mentioned as one of Joan's generals present at the festivities and the journey to Tours.
- De la Tremouille
The King's minister who gives a warning sign to halt the King's impulsive promise to march to Rheims.
Key passages
“She fell on her knees before the majesty of France, and the other frivolous animal in his lap—a sight which it pained me to see. What had that man done for his country or for anybody in it, that she or any other person should kneel to him?”
Joan knelt before the King while he held a pampered dog, a scene that disgusted the narrator, who felt the King had done nothing to deserve such reverence.
Louis de Conte's critical view of the King's unworthiness compared to Joan's sacrifice.
“Give me the one reward I ask, the dearest of all rewards, the highest in your gift—march with me to Rheims and receive your crown.”
Joan's only request is that the King accompany her to Rheims for his coronation, valuing that above any personal gain.
Joan's selfless plea for the fulfillment of her divine mission.
“Oh, use me; I beseech you, use me—there is but little time!”
Joan urgently implores the King to employ her services quickly because she knows her time is short.
Joan's premonition of her impending death within a year.
“My Lady du Lis—why, it was tinsel, petty, perishable. But, Joan of Arc! The mere sound of it sets one's pulses leaping.”
The narrator dismisses the new noble title as trivial and fleeting, while the name Joan of Arc inspires true awe and admiration.
Louis de Conte's reflection on the enduring power of Joan's simple name over the King's bestowed honors.
