Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
XXIV: Joan the Martyr explained
Joan of Arc is led to the stake in Rouen, where she is executed as a heretic.
What happens
Joan of Arc is led to the stake in Rouen, where she is executed as a heretic. Despite the betrayal by King Charles VII and the treachery of figures like Cauchon and Loyseleur, Joan remains forgiving and prays for her king and her enemies. She is given a makeshift cross by an English soldier and a consecrated one by Friar Isambard, and dies with her faith unshaken, her final words a prayer for France.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Martyrdom
Joan is betrayed by King Charles VII and the Church, yet she dies as a martyr, forgiving her enemies and praying for her king.
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's unwavering faith sustains her to the end; she asks for a cross, prays fervently, and dies with her eyes fixed on the symbol of her salvation.
Injustice and Corruption of Power
The trial and execution are rife with illegality and corruption, as Cauchon and the English authorities manipulate the proceedings to ensure Joan's death.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
The martyr, executed at the stake; she forgives her betrayers and prays for the King of France until her death.
- Pierre Cauchon
The bishop who presides over Joan's execution, exhorting her to repent even at the stake; Joan tells him 'I die through you.'
- Nicolas Loyseleur
The treacherous priest who betrayed Joan; he begs her forgiveness on the way to the stake, and she grants it.
- Isambard de la Pierre
The friar who brings Joan a consecrated cross and remains by her side at the stake, moved by her faith.
- Martin Ladvenu
The friar who rides in the cart with Joan to the place of execution.
- Jean Massieu
Maître Jean Massieu, who accompanies Joan in the cart to her death.
Key passages
“Oh, Rouen, Rouen, must I die here, and must you be my tomb? Ah, Rouen, Rouen, I have great fear that you will suffer for my death.”
Joan laments that she must die in Rouen and warns that the city will face consequences for her execution.
Joan's prophetic concern for Rouen reflects her compassion even in her final moments.
“I die through you.”
Joan tells Cauchon that he is responsible for her death.
These are Joan's last words to any person on earth, directed at her chief persecutor.
“Joan, the Church can no longer protect you. Go in peace!”
The Church formally abandons Joan, handing her over to secular authorities for execution.
This statement by Nicholas Midi marks the Church's final rejection of Joan.