Page 311 - DENG403_BRITISH_DRAMA

Unit 26: Saint Joan: Themes

• Women and Femininity—Joan was an early pioneer of women’s equality. In a time where it Notes
was completely unheard of, she wore men’s clothes, became a soldier, and advised the most
powerful men of her day.
• Society and Class—Medieval society was rigidly divided by class and position. Saint Joan
investigates the inner workings of this intricate structure.
• Versions of Reality—Joan of Arc is well known for claiming to hear voices sent to her by God.
The Church chose a different view, saying they were demonic in origin.
• Warfare—Saint Joan is set in medieval France, which was at the time in the throes of the
Hundred Years War. There are many different factions vying for power, the main ones being
the English.
• Pride—Just about everybody in Saint Joan accuses Joan of pride. It is unclear as to whether
she’s guilty of this or not. Her every decision leads to success for her and those around her.
• Admiration—Joan is able to inspire such admiration, that she launches a movement which
eventually unites a country, shifting its entire power structure in the bargain.

26.9 Keywords

Power : Political ascendancy or control in the government of a country, state.
Religion : A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially
when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually
involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code
governing the conduct of human affairs.
Feminity : The quality of being feminine; womanliness.
Warfare : The process of military struggle between two nations or groups of nations; war. Or
armed conflict between two massed enemies, armies, or the like.
Pride : A high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority,
whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
Admiration : A feeling of wonder, pleasure, or approval. Or the act of looking on or contemplating
with pleasure.

26.10 Review Questions

1. Where does Joan companions’ admiration give way to prejudice?
2. How is power divided between the religious and political spheres in Joan’s society?
3. Why is it so threatening for Joan to dress like a man?
4. Why does Bishop Cauchon feel so threatened by Joan’s voices? How do her beliefs challenge
Church doctrine?
5. Give a critical view of the following themes in Saint Joan:
(a) Admiration (b) Pride (c) Feminity

Answers: Self Assessment

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. Country
4. equality 5. True 6. False

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