Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
At Last—Forward! explained
Joan of Arc rallies a new army after the French forces had dispersed due to lack of pay and food.
What happens
Joan of Arc rallies a new army after the French forces had dispersed due to lack of pay and food. She pleads with the King to march to Rheims for his coronation, overcomes council objections, and raises eight thousand veteran soldiers in a short time. The chapter culminates in her triumphant entry into Orleans, where she is reunited with the Boucher family.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan's Voices command her to urge the King to march to Rheims; she prays when doubted and hears 'Go forward, Daughter of God, and I will help thee.'
Courage and Resilience
Despite the army dissolving, Joan persists, raises a new force, and leads with determination, inspiring troops and nobles alike.
Patriotism and National Identity
Joan's leadership transforms the French troops from habitual runners into effective fighters, aiming to crown the King at Rheims and restore French unity.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
In great spirits, she reviews troops, mounts her great black horse at the cross, and leads the army with her standard and little battle-ax. She pleads with the King to march to Rheims and raises a new army of eight thousand men.
- Louis de Conte
Narrator present throughout; rode with the personal staff of Joan of Arc and recalls the scene of her departure and the entry into Orleans.
- Charles VII
The King idles at Loches, consults with councilors, and is persuaded by Joan to allow the march to Rheims after she proposes breaking the Loire strongholds.
- Dunois
Present at the Castle of Loches during Joan's plea to the King; through him we know what happened.
- La Hire
Listed among the illustrious captains riding with Joan in the Grand Staff during her entry into Orleans.
- Catherine Boucher
Reunited with Joan in Orleans; Louis de Conte expresses his long-held love for her.
- Pierre d'Arc
Joan's brother, who came eight days ago and departed with her, clad all in white armor.
- Queen Yolande
Mentioned as the Duchess d'Alençon, who exacts a promise from Joan to protect her husband.
Key passages
“Yet all that those troops needed in order to be good fighters was a leader who would attend strictly to business—a leader with all authority in his hands in place of a tenth of it along with nine other generals equipped with an equal tenth apiece.”
The French soldiers only required a single, fully empowered commander to become effective fighters, rather than being led by multiple generals sharing authority.
Louis de Conte explains how Joan's unified command overcame the French army's long-standing habit of retreat.
“She told me that when the King starts for Rheims I shall go with him. But God grant I may not have to wait till then, but may have a part in the battles!”
Joan promised the young Count de Laval that he would accompany the King to Rheims, though he hoped to join the fighting sooner.
From a letter by one of the Counts de Laval, describing Joan's promise.
“I give you the promise with all my heart; and it is not just words, it is a promise; you shall have him back without a hurt. Do you believe? And are you satisfied with me now?”
Joan sincerely vowed to the Duchess d'Alençon that her husband would return unharmed, asking if she was reassured.
Joan's response to the duchess's request to protect the Duke d'Alençon.
“Noble Dauphin, prithee hold no more of these long and numerous councils, but come, and come quickly, to Rheims and receive your crown.”
Joan implored the King to stop endless deliberations and proceed at once to Rheims for his coronation.
Joan's plea to Charles VII at the Castle of Loches.
