# Joan and Socrates explained — Saint Joan

> Chapter companion for Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

## What happens

This chapter compares Joan of Arc and Socrates, highlighting how their intellectual and moral superiority provoked fury and hatred from those they exposed as foolish. Both figures were naive about the resentment they caused, leading to their downfalls.

## Themes in this chapter

### Individual vs. Institution

Both Joan and Socrates are individuals who challenge the established order and are destroyed by institutional forces.

### The Tragedy of Greatness

Their superior abilities lead to isolation and martyrdom, illustrating the tragic cost of greatness.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Described as too young and inexperienced to flatter or manage men, she openly expressed her impatience with folly.

### Socrates

Compared to Joan; he failed to understand the fury his mental superiority aroused, leading to his trial and death.

## Key lines

> If Joan had been malicious, selfish, cowardly or stupid, she would have been one of the most odious persons known to history instead of one of the most attractive.

Joan's appeal stems from her lack of malice, selfishness, cowardice, or stupidity; otherwise, she would be despised.

_Contrasts Joan's admirable qualities with what would make her odious._

> Even Socrates, for all his age and experience, did not defend himself at his trial like a man who understood the long accumulated fury that had burst on him, and was clamoring for his death.

Socrates, despite his wisdom, failed to grasp the deep-seated anger that led to his condemnation.

_Highlights Socrates' lack of awareness of the resentment he caused._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/joan-and-socrates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters