Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Chapter
XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered explained
The King's command to obey the Maid is finally followed, solidifying Joan's reputation as a commander.
What happens
The King's command to obey the Maid is finally followed, solidifying Joan's reputation as a commander. A council of war debates her bold assault strategy against Jargeau, with La Hire passionately defending her revolutionary tactics. Joan reassures them of victory through divine guidance, and the chapter ends with a contrast between a joyful farewell supper and the grim preparations for battle.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Resilience
Joan's bold storm tactics and La Hire's fiery defense of her methods embody the courage to break from tradition.
Faith and Divine Mission
Joan expresses that God guides their success, and her confidence stems from divine assurance.
Truth Versus Propaganda
The narrator insists on the truth of the council discussion, which is not recorded in histories, contrasting official accounts with firsthand experience.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Commander-in-Chief whose authority is now fully accepted; she laughs off fears about Jargeau and speaks of God's guidance.
- La Hire
Passionately defends Joan's storm tactics in the council, declaring her a surpassing military genius.
- Louis de Conte
Narrator present at the council and the farewell supper, reflecting on the contrasts of war and youth.
- The Paladin
Serves as sentry at Joan's door in brave new armor, with a kitten asleep on his shoulder.
- Dunois
Among the chiefs who resolutely uphold Joan's side in the council.
- Charles VII
Issues the command that the generals must do nothing without the Maid's sanction.
Key passages
“But that I know God guides us and will give us success, I had liefer keep sheep than endure these perils.”
If I did not know that God is guiding us and will grant us victory, I would rather be a shepherd than face these dangers.
Joan expresses her reliance on divine guidance and her preference for a simple life over war.
“With her is no sitting down and starving out; no dillydallying and fooling around; no lazying, loafing, and going to sleep; no, it is storm! storm! storm!”
Her approach is never about waiting or wasting time; it is always about immediate, forceful assault.
La Hire encapsulates Joan's revolutionary military strategy of relentless storm attacks.