# Cruelty, Modern and Medieval explained — Saint Joan

> Chapter companion for Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

## What happens

The chapter argues that modern cruelty, particularly in prisons, is no less severe than medieval executions like Joan's burning, and that Joan's choice of the stake over imprisonment reflects her rejection of the Church's authority over her soul, positioning her as an early anti-clerical figure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heresy and Sanctity

The chapter contrasts Joan's heresy and sanctity, highlighting her rejection of Church authority and her martyrdom.

### Justice and Injustice

Explores the cruelty of medieval and modern punishments, questioning the justice of both systems.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Joan is discussed as a heretic who chose the stake over imprisonment, asserting her own authority over her soul against the Church.

### Voltaire

Mentioned as an example of an anti-clerical thinker, comparing Joan's stance to his.

## Key lines

> First, let us get rid of the notion that the mere physical cruelty of the burning has any special significance.

The author dismisses the idea that Joan's burning was uniquely cruel, comparing it to other executions of her time.

_Sets up the argument that physical cruelty is not the main issue._

> Joan herself judged this matter when she had to choose between imprisonment and the stake, and chose the stake.

Joan preferred death by burning over life in prison.

_Highlights Joan's agency and her view of imprisonment as worse than death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/cruelty-modern-and-medieval
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters