# Joan the Original and Presumptuous explained — Saint Joan

> Chapter companion for Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

## What happens

This chapter introduces Joan of Arc as a paradoxical figure: a pious Catholic who was also a proto-Protestant martyr, an early nationalist, a military innovator, and a woman who defied gender norms by dressing and fighting as a man. It highlights her extraordinary self-confidence and presumption, which led to her execution for heresy and witchcraft, and frames her as a disruptive force against established authority.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heresy and Sanctity

Joan is portrayed as both a pious Catholic and a proto-Protestant martyr, blurring the line between heresy and sanctity.

### Gender and Power

Joan's refusal to accept the woman's lot and her dressing as a man challenge traditional gender roles and power structures.

### Individual vs. Institution

Joan's presumption and defiance of official opinion, judgment, and authority highlight the conflict between the individual and established institutions.

### Nationalism and Patriotism

Joan is described as one of the first apostles of Nationalism, embodying early French national sentiment.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

The central figure, described as a village girl, warrior saint, and proto-Protestant martyr who defied gender norms and authority.

### King Charles VII

Mentioned as the king whom Joan patronized and overruled.

### Queen Christina of Sweden

Referenced as a historical parallel to Joan's refusal to accept the woman's lot.

### Chevalier D'Eon

Mentioned as another historical figure who disguised as a man.

## Key lines

> She is the most notable Warrior Saint in the Christian calendar, and the queerest fish among the eccentric worthies of the Middle Ages.

Joan is the most famous warrior saint and the most unusual figure among medieval eccentrics.

_Highlights her unique and paradoxical status._

> She was in fact one of the first Protestant martyrs.

Joan was actually an early martyr for Protestantism.

_Emphasizes her proto-Protestant role despite being Catholic._

> She refused to accept the specific woman’s lot, and dressed and fought and lived as men did.

She rejected the traditional role of women and adopted male dress and lifestyle.

_Illustrates her challenge to gender norms._

> At eighteen Joan’s pretensions were beyond those of the proudest Pope or the haughtiest emperor.

At age eighteen, Joan's ambitions exceeded those of any pope or emperor.

_Shows her extraordinary self-confidence and presumption._

## Links

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