# XXIV: Joan the Martyr explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxiv-joan-the-martyr
- 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