# XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxvi-the-last-doubts-scattered
- 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