This week’s class discussion we briefly
focus on woman warrior during the middle ages. In our reading, McLaughlin mentions
Saxo Grammaticus, he gave us a border line difference between what is usual and
what is unusual for “normal” feminine behavior and military activity (CP). He
describes women warriors who were “forgetful of their true selves” in that they
“cultivated soldier’s skills” (CP). This quote reminds me of our Joan because
she disguised herself with men clothing. If warfare was a unnatural activity
for women at the time then it makes sense that any women who took on the role
of a warrior to disguise themselves and in Saxo’s words,”a woman who
undertook the role of warrior would be forced to “unsex” herself, to abandon
her true womanly nature and act with “virile ruthlessness” (CP). Therefore that
justifies Joan’s “strange” behavior of wearing men’s clothing. Historians have speculate
that Joan's cross-dressing symbolize her confused sexuality.
Above is a image of Joan dressed as a warrior.
What are your guys thoughts about Joans cross-dressing? Can we connect her cross-dressing as a confused symbol of her sexuality? Or can we just assume that she "unsex" herself to become a warrior?
Sources: Course packet
image: Google images
Lucy-
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The course packet quote on unsexing oneself (women only of course) to prepare for battle raised questions in my mind as well. In response to your discussion question, I think a great resource for understanding Joan's cross dressing occurred in this week's reading in the Retrial (Pernoud) book. One of the male sources interviewed does not seem at all concerned or perplexed with Joan's decision to dress in male clothing. Pernoud explains in a related analysis that the gentleman's reaction to Joan's male dress made it seem as though he nearly expected her to request a change of clothes. Just something to consider!
Rachel
Lucy,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the idea of a Medieval woman dressing as a man can raise some interesting questions. In response to your questions, I think Joan's choice of dressing as a man came from a "sensible" stand point. Meaning, would she really have been able to raise the siege of Orleans in a dress? The choice of wearing men's clothing just made more sense for the mission Joan had set before her.
Lucy,
ReplyDeleteI believe that Joan had one thing on her mind and that was saving France. In order to take command she needed to dress the part. I feel the men were not interested in Joan in a romantic way, but they respected her as a leader. I believe Joan un-sexed herself to become a warrior. After all, a dress offers little protection against arrows and swords.
I agree with Chris, I see the un-sexing herself was strictly for practicality and to show dedication for her cause. The cross-dressing and donning of armor could be merely for gaining support from her men and of course safety.
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