Poetry · Chapter
Jeanne d'Arc Returns explained
A poetic tribute to the women of France during World War I, invoking the spirit of Jeanne d'Arc as they sacrifice everything for their country.
What happens
A poetic tribute to the women of France during World War I, invoking the spirit of Jeanne d'Arc as they sacrifice everything for their country.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Patriotism
The women of France offer everything to their nation, echoing the patriotic sacrifice of Jeanne d'Arc.
Love and Sacrifice
The poem emphasizes giving all—hands, feet, heart, and soul—for the beloved country.
Characters to notice
- Jeanne d'Arc
Invoked as the ultimate symbol of French sacrifice and patriotism.
Key passages
“I give France all I have, and all she asks. Would it were more! Ah, let her ask and take: My hands to nurse her wounded, do her tasks— My feet to run her errands through the dark— My heart to bleed in triumph for her sake— And all my soul to follow thee, Jeanne d'Arc!”
The speaker offers every part of herself to France, wishing she could give even more, and dedicates her soul to the example of Jeanne d'Arc.
This stanza encapsulates the theme of total self-sacrifice for the nation.