# Comparative Fairness of Joan’s Trial explained — Saint Joan

> Chapter companion for Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

## What happens

This chapter examines the fairness of Joan of Arc's trial, arguing that Cauchon was actually threatened by the English for being too lenient. It compares the trial to modern examples like Edith Cavell, noting that political partisanship and lack of neutral tribunals are unavoidable flaws. The chapter concludes that Joan's persecution would be similar today, with changes only in method, not in intolerance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The chapter explores the inherent unfairness of politically partisan trials and the lack of neutral tribunals.

### Heresy and Sanctity

Joan and Edith Cavell are both described as arch heretics, persecuted for crossing societal lines.

### Nationalism and Patriotism

Edith Cavell's rejection of patriotism as insufficient is contrasted with nationalistic reactions to her execution.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

The subject of the trial; her persecution is compared to modern cases.

### Peter Cauchon

Threatened and insulted by the English for being too considerate to Joan.

### Edith Cavell

Modern example of a heretic executed by military tribunal; her statement 'Patriotism is not enough' is cited.

## Key lines

> The truth is that Cauchon was threatened and insulted by the English for being too considerate to Joan.

Cauchon faced threats and insults from the English because he treated Joan too leniently.

_Highlights the political pressure on the judge._

> Patriotism is not enough.

Loyalty to one's country is insufficient as a moral guide.

_Edith Cavell's statement, central to the comparison of intolerance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/comparative-fairness-of-joan-s-trial
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters