A lot of discussion centers around
what motivations led to Joan “unsexing” herself. Some people claim it is because she was a
cross dresser or that she was distancing herself from her true self. Saxo Grammaticus said that a female warrior
would have to “’unsex’ herself, to abandon her true womanly nature and act with
‘virile ruthlessness’” (CP 24). This was
the opinion of a critic from the 13th century. The fact that historians still consider that
she was “unsexing” herself today is rather odd.
Take for example Rosie the Riveter who was drawn to show both masculine
and feminine traits. Rosie took off the
long dresses and put on the jeans and t-shirt that are a more practical choice
to wear while riveting and welding.
Joan did not wear men’s clothing to
“unsex” but to make it easier to ride a horse and fight. It would be hard to ride a horse, in a position
that would allow you to fight, in a dress.
To a no nonsense person like Joan it would make sense to trade in her
long dresses for the britches and tights worn by men at the time. When reading about Sichelgaita, a princess
from Lombard, who, “was said to present a ‘fearsome’ sight when dressed in full
armor…” it is hard to picture an armored skirt that could easily trip up even a
skilled warrior.
Works Cited:
Course Packet
Google Images
I agree that Joan wearing mens clothing would have been more rational than wearing a dress. Not only would it have to be functional for riding a horse but for combat also. Do you think it's possible that Joan was unintentionally "unsexing" herself by wearing functional clothing and armor?
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