Notes Class 10 Chapter 1.5 Kumarbharati English Maharashtra Board

Joan of Arc

Introduction

“Joan of Arc” is an extract from George Bernard Shaw’s play Saint Joan (1923). Shaw, an Irish playwright, won the Nobel Prize in 1925. The play is about Joan of Arc, a young French peasant girl who led France to victories in the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) against England. Set in 1429, the scene shows Joan convincing Captain Robert de Baudricourt to give her a horse, armor, and soldiers to meet the Dauphin and free Orleans from English control. It highlights her courage, faith, and patriotism.

Historical Background

• Hundred Years’ War: Conflict between England and France (1337-1453).
• English and Burgundians controlled northern France; Orleans was a key French city under English rule.
• Joan of Arc: Peasant girl, born ~1412, guided by divine voices to save France.

Setting

• Time: 1429.
• Place: Military castle in France, Robert de Baudricourt’s office.

Characters

• Joan of Arc: 17-18-year-old girl, confident, brave, believes God guides her.
• Robert de Baudricourt: Squire, skeptical, initially calls Joan mad but agrees to help.
• Steward: Robert’s assistant, admires Joan’s courage.
• Bertrand de Poulengey (Polly): Guard, inspired by Joan, volunteers to join her.

Main Events

• Joan asks Robert for horse, armor, soldiers to meet Dauphin and free Orleans.
• Robert refuses, calls her mad, threatens to send her home.
• Joan stays calm, says she needs only three men; Poulengey and others already agreed.
• Steward confirms support for Joan.
• Poulengey convinces Robert, says Joan is a “miracle.”
• Robert agrees to send Joan to Chinon, gives her a soldier’s dress.

Themes

• Courage: Joan faces Robert fearlessly.
• Faith: Believes God supports her mission.
• Patriotism: Wants to free France from English.
• Leadership: Inspires steward, Poulengey, and Robert.

Key Vocabulary

• Grimly: Seriously.
• Squire: High-ranking person.
• Armour: Protective battle clothing.
• Blockhead: Stupid person.
• Dauphin: French prince.
• Chinon: City where Dauphin lived.
• Cowed: Scared.
• Wavering: Hesitating.
• Plundering: Looting.
• Radiant: Joyful.