Throughout
most of the trials Joan is seen as sarcastic and standoffish. These traits are often seen in a negative
light but there is a way that such rude remarks can be seen positively. In her trials the anti-French court is trying
to belittle Joan and possibly undermine the legitimacy of the French claim to
the throne.
Joan’s
seemingly rude and sarcastic remarks in Joan
of Arc by herself and her witnesses were made to protect the legitimacy of
her voices and of the King of France. “I asked her if she believed in God; she
answered me, ‘Yes, better than you.’” (Pernoud, 55). This remark to Guillaume Aimeri, a person loyal
to the French cause, shows how she is fighting to be taken seriously even amongst
her own people. To be taken seriously
Joan would have to show that she is more than 100% confident in the fact that
God has called her to declare war on the English.
In the
Trial of Condemnation Joan said, “There are some revelations which go to the
King of France and not to those who are questioning me.” (Pernoud, 47). The fact that she would withhold information
from the inquisitors shows that she was perhaps holding back information that
could be used against the French King.
No matter how many times they asked she would not go into the specifics
of her visions or those seen by the King.
The English could win over the French who were still loyal to Charles
VII by trying to make him to look like Charles VI, the crazy king.
Questions:
Do you think Joan was trying to protect the King, France, or
herself by withholding information?
Should she have revealed more?
Sources:
Image: Google Images
Pernoud, Regine. Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses. Lanham: Scarbourough House, 1982. Print.
Sources:
Image: Google Images
Pernoud, Regine. Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses. Lanham: Scarbourough House, 1982. Print.
I think she was trying to protect the king. If she had given up too much information and the English were able to overthrow the king, Joan's fate may have been different. Instead of trying to save herself and say whatever she needed to in hopes to stay alive, she protected her king and the nation she fought to restore.
ReplyDeleteI believe she did what she believed was right. If she did not feel she was at liberty to reveal what was in her visions then she shouldn't reveal anymore than she had permission to.
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