# The King Cries “Forward!” explained — Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

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

## What happens

In a council of war, Joan of Arc confronts the King's ministers, denouncing their delaying tactics and secret negotiations with the Duke of Burgundy as cowardice and treachery. She passionately argues for an immediate march on Paris, winning the King's support as he symbolically surrenders his sword to her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Resilience

Joan's fearless confrontation of the King's ministers and her unwavering demand for action exemplify her courage and resilience.

### Injustice and Corruption of Power

Joan accuses the King's chief minister and Chancellor of cowardice and treachery, highlighting the corruption and self-serving politics hindering France's cause.

### Truth Versus Propaganda

Joan exposes the secret negotiations with Burgundy as a 'poor comedy' and a pretext for delay, contrasting her direct truth with the ministers' deceptive diplomacy.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Confronts the council with a grieved goddess demeanor, denounces the ministers' policies, and persuades the King to march on Paris.

### Charles VII

Initially passive, he is stirred by Joan's bold speech and ultimately surrenders his sword to her, endorsing the march on Paris.

### De la Tremouille

Chief minister who turns white with anger at Joan's accusations but remains silent, waiting for a private audience with the King.

### La Hire

Approves Joan's speech with a crash of his fist and later growls approval of her phrase 'At the point of the lance!'

### Pierre Cauchon

As Chancellor, he defends the negotiations with Burgundy and is publicly rebuked by Joan for cowardice and treachery.

### Louis de Conte

Narrator and page/secretary who follows Joan to the council.

## Key lines

> Whenever anything is done to injure the interests and degrade the honor of France, all but the dead know how to name the two conspirators-in-chief

Everyone alive knows who the two main conspirators are when France's honor is harmed.

_Joan directly accuses the King's chief minister and Chancellor of treachery._

> At the point of the lance!

We will treat with Burgundy by force of arms.

_Joan's defiant response to the proposal of negotiating with the Duke of Burgundy._

> There, the King surrenders. Carry it to Paris.

I give you my sword; lead the army to Paris.

_Charles VII symbolically hands over his authority to Joan, endorsing her plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/personal_recollections_of_joan_of_arc_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-king-cries-forward
- 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