# How Joan Took Jargeau explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

Joan leads the French army in the assault on Jargeau, demonstrating her strategic brilliance and personal courage. After a fierce artillery duel and scaling the walls under heavy fire, she is wounded but rallies her troops to victory. The English garrison surrenders, with the Earl of Suffolk yielding only to Joan. The chapter highlights Joan's merciful nature, her motto of hard work, and the triumph that further cements her reputation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Resilience

Joan's personal bravery in leading assaults, being wounded, and continuing to fight inspires her troops.

### Faith and Divine Mission

Joan's confidence in victory and her cry 'Work! and God will work with us!' reflect her belief in divine support.

### Injustice and Corruption of Power

Contrast between Joan's merciful treatment of prisoners and the typical brutal customs of war highlights the corruption of power.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Leads the assault on Jargeau, is wounded by a stone but rallies her troops, and accepts the surrender of the Earl of Suffolk.

### Louis de Conte

Narrates the events, describing the battle and Joan's actions.

### The Paladin

Struck down at Joan's side during the initial assault but later carries the standard in the final assault.

### Dunois

Present at the surrender of the Earl of Suffolk, demanding his surrender alongside the Duke d'Alençon.

### Charles VII

Not directly present, but his coronation is implied as a future goal; Joan's victory strengthens his cause.

### Sir John Fastolfe

Mentioned as leading a relief force of five thousand men that is loitering and not yet arrived.

### La Hire

Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but his presence in the army is implied.

### Noël Rainguesson

Not explicitly mentioned, but likely part of the army as a companion.

## Key lines

> Work! work! and God will work with us!

Keep laboring diligently, and divine assistance will follow.

_Joan's motto emphasizing the importance of hard work combined with faith._

> I will die rather. I will surrender to the Maid of Orleans alone, and to no other.

I would prefer death over yielding to anyone except Joan of Arc.

_The Earl of Suffolk's proud refusal to surrender to subordinates, highlighting Joan's unique status._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxvii-how-joan-took-jargeau
- 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