# Contrast with Napoleon explained — Saint Joan

> Chapter companion for Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

## What happens

This chapter contrasts Joan of Arc with Socrates and Napoleon, highlighting how Joan's impetuous action and saintly innocence led to her destruction, while Napoleon's calculated ambition allowed him to die in his bed. It explores the paradox that saints like Joan, Christ, and Socrates are destroyed by fear of their superior benevolence, whereas conquerors and official scoundrels often escape martyrdom.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Tragedy of Greatness

Explores how superior beings like Joan, Socrates, and Christ are destroyed by fear, while conquerors like Napoleon escape martyrdom.

### Faith and Reason

Contrasts Socrates' rational argument with Joan's faith-driven action, and the irrational fear they inspire.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Compared to Socrates and Napoleon; her innocence and impetuous action led to her martyrdom.

### Napoleon

Contrasted with Joan; his lack of frankness and disinterest allowed him to die in his bed.

### Socrates

Compared to Joan; his peaceful argument contrasted with her violent action, yet both were destroyed.

### Christ

Mentioned as another saint whose superior benevolence inspired fear and crucifixion.

### Muhammad

Cited as one who was both saint and conqueror, needing the conqueror to save the saint.

### King Charles VII

Implied as one of those glad to be rid of Joan after she crowned him.

## Key lines

> If Socrates was as innocent as this at the age of seventy, it may be imagined how innocent Joan was at the age of seventeen.

Socrates' innocence at seventy suggests Joan's even greater innocence at seventeen.

_Establishes the comparison between Socrates and Joan's innocence._

> Now Socrates was a man of argument, operating slowly and peacefully on men’s minds, whereas Joan was a woman of action, operating with impetuous violence on their bodies.

Socrates worked through peaceful debate, while Joan acted with forceful urgency.

_Highlights the contrast in their methods._

> Fear will drive men to any extreme; and the fear inspired by a superior being is a mystery which cannot be reasoned away.

Fear of a superior being is irrational and can lead to extreme actions.

_Explains the motivation behind the destruction of saints._

> Joan was burnt without a hand lifted on her own side to save her.

No one from her own side tried to rescue Joan from execution.

_Emphasizes her abandonment by allies._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/contrast-with-napoleon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters