Joan of Arc Summary

Joan of Arc Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

1. A Childhood in Domremy and the Voices

   The story begins in the small village of Domremy, France, in 1429, told by Sieur Louis de Conte, Joan's page and secretary. He talks about Joan's childhood, showing her as a very pious, kind, and smart girl, loved by her community. From a young age, Joan has divine visions and hears heavenly 'Voices' – specifically those of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret – which tell her to save France from English occupation and to crown the Dauphin, Charles VII, as king. Despite her youth and humble background, Joan believes firmly in these divine messages, even as she initially keeps them secret from most people, only telling a few close friends and family, including Louis de Conte himself.

2. Journey to Vaucouleurs and Meeting Baudricourt

   Led by her Voices, Joan travels to Vaucouleurs to meet with Robert de Baudricourt, the local commander, to ask for an escort to Chinon to see the Dauphin. Baudricourt at first dismisses her as a crazy peasant girl, making fun of her claims of a divine mission. Joan, however, shows great persistence and an unusual ability to predict future events, such as the French defeat at the Battle of Rouvray (the 'Battle of the Herrings'). Her strong faith and the growing support of local villagers, including Jean de Metz and Bertrand de Poulengy, eventually influence Baudricourt, who, though still doubtful, provides her with a small escort and a letter of introduction to Charles VII, convinced there might be something unusual about her.

3. The Recognition at Chinon

   Arriving at Chinon, Joan faces another challenge: getting to see the Dauphin, Charles VII, who is weak and surrounded by doubtful courtiers. To test her, Charles hides among his nobles. However, Joan, guided by her Voices, immediately identifies him, despite never having seen him before. She then reveals a secret prayer Charles had made, convincing him of her divine role. She promises to lift the Siege of Orléans and lead him to Reims for his coronation. Despite ongoing doubt from some of his advisors, Charles is deeply impressed and gives her command of the French army, ordering her to be equipped with armor and a standard.

4. The Relief of Orléans

   Joan takes command of the French forces, bringing discipline, courage, and a new sense of divine purpose to the discouraged soldiers. She famously sends a letter to the English commanders, demanding they surrender. Against usual military strategy, she leads a series of bold and quick attacks on the English fortifications around Orléans. Her presence on the battlefield, carrying her banner and often leading the charge, inspires the troops. Despite being wounded by an arrow, she quickly returns to battle, leading the final, successful attack on Les Tourelles. The English are defeated, and the Siege of Orléans, which had lasted for months, is lifted in days, marking a turning point in the Hundred Years' War and fulfilling Joan's first major prediction.

5. The Loire Campaign and Path to Reims

   After the victory at Orléans, Joan continues her military campaign along the Loire River. She leads the French army to a series of swift and decisive victories against the English, including battles at Jargeau, Meung-sur-Loire, Beaugency, and most notably, the Battle of Patay, where the English army suffers a great defeat. These victories remove the English threat in the region and clear a safe path to Reims, the traditional place for the coronation of French kings. Joan continually urges the hesitant Charles to go to Reims, stressing the importance of his anointing as God's chosen king for France, despite the dangers and the advice of his cautious advisors.

6. The Coronation of Charles VII at Reims

   Against the advice of many of his nobles, Charles VII, persuaded by Joan's conviction and the series of victories, begins the march to Reims. The journey meets little resistance, as towns along the way open their gates to the advancing French army, inspired by Joan's reputation. On July 17, 1429, Charles VII is formally crowned King of France in Reims Cathedral, with Joan standing clearly beside him, holding her banner. This moment is the completion of her most important mission, fulfilling the prophecy of her Voices. Joan considers her work mostly done, saying she wants to return home, but the King and his advisors convince her to stay with the army.

7. The Siege of Paris and Growing Opposition

   After the coronation, Joan argues for an immediate march on Paris, which is under Burgundian and English control, to free France fully. However, King Charles and his advisors, especially La Trémoille, are hesitant and prefer talks over direct military fighting. They deliberately delay the attack on Paris, giving the city time to strengthen its defenses. When Joan finally leads an attack, the royal army's lack of full commitment and support, combined with Joan suffering a painful leg wound, leads to a failed attack. This time marks a decrease in Joan's influence and the start of her being pushed aside by the court, who increasingly see her as a threat to their power.

8. Capture at Compiègne

   Joan continues to fight for France, taking part in various small battles and sieges, but without the full support she once had. Her Voices warn her she will be captured. In May 1430, while trying to help the besieged town of Compiègne, Joan leads a sortie against the Burgundian forces. During the fierce fighting, the drawbridge of the town is raised too early, cutting her off from her retreating troops. She is surrounded and captured by the Burgundians, who are allied with the English. The French king, Charles VII, makes no significant effort to ransom or rescue her, leaving her to her fate.

9. The English Purchase and Ecclesiastical Trial

   The Burgundians sell Joan to the English for a large sum. She is then moved to Rouen, a city under English control, to face trial. Her trial is arranged by Pierre Cauchon, the Bishop of Beauvais, a strong English supporter, with the clear goal of condemning her as a heretic and witch. The trial is a political sham, meant to discredit Joan and, by extension, Charles VII's claim to the throne, as his coronation was achieved through her 'sorcery.' Despite being a layperson, Joan is denied legal counsel and questioned constantly by a group of hostile clergymen and university doctors, who try to trick her with theological questions.

10. Imprisonment and Abjuration

    During her imprisonment, Joan is held in a secular prison, guarded by English soldiers, a violation of church law. She endures harsh conditions, constant threats, and attempts on her life. The English and the court try to break her spirit with psychological torment and threats of torture. Tired and alone, and fearing the fire, Joan is eventually forced to sign an abjuration document, retracting her Voices and admitting to heresy. However, she quickly regrets this forced confession, feeling she has betrayed God. She is later accused of returning to heresy when she puts on male clothes again, which she does for protection against sexual assault.

11. Execution at Rouen

    Having gone back on her word, Joan is condemned to death. On May 30, 1431, at 19 years old, Joan of Arc is led to the Old Market Place in Rouen. She asks for a cross, which is held before her as she is tied to the stake. She repeatedly calls upon Jesus and maintains that her Voices were from God and had not deceived her. As the flames consume her, she dies a martyr, her last word being 'Jesus!' The English soldiers and many spectators are clearly moved by her courage and piety, with some reportedly saying they have burned a saint. The English take steps to ensure her ashes are scattered in the Seine to prevent relics, but her spirit remains, inspiring France.

12. The Retrial and Legacy

    Years after Joan's death, with the English finally pushed out of France, King Charles VII orders a retrial (or Nullification Trial) to clear her name, driven by his conscience and the need to make his own reign legitimate, which was based on her divine mission. This process, which begins in 1450 and ends in 1456, carefully gathers testimonies from hundreds of witnesses, including many who knew Joan personally and served with her. The trial ultimately cancels her conviction, declaring her innocent of heresy and a martyr. Sieur Louis de Conte concludes his story by stressing Joan's lasting legacy as a symbol of faith, courage, and national pride, a figure of historical and spiritual importance.

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