Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Lesson Joan of Arc Summary, Line by Line Explanation, along with difficult word meanings from English Kumarbharati Book
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Joan of Arc Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English
- George Bernard Shaw
- Joan of Arc Introduction
- Theme of the Lesson Joan of Arc
- Joan of Arc Summary
- Joan of Arc Summary in Hindi
- Joan of Arc Lesson Explanation
- Joan of Arc Characters
Joan of Arc Introduction
This chapter introduces one to the remarkable story of Joan of Arc, a young woman who became a legendary figure in French history.
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Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson Joan of Arc
The major themes explored in the play are mentioned below-
War and Patriotism: The historical context of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England sets the stage for the conflict. Joan’s motivation is driven by patriotism. She wants to liberate France from foreign occupation and restore French soil.
Faith: Joan has unwavering faith in her divine mission to free the French soil from foreign powers. She doesn’t doubt her ability to lead the French army and liberate the country. This unshakeable belief is what allows her to confront authority figures like Captain Robert with such confidence.
Despite her young age and lack of military experience, Joan exhibits strong leadership qualities. Her confidence and unwavering belief inspire Poulengey to be on her side and make Robert reconsider his initial disagreement. This highlights the power of conviction and faith in God to inspire others.
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Joan of Arc Summary
The play opens in France during the Hundred Years’ War. Most of France is under foreign control, with the English occupying the north and the Burgundians holding the southwest. The city of Orleans, one of the last French strongholds, is attacked by the English.
Captain Robert de Baudricourt, a French military officer, is approached by a young peasant girl named Joan. Joan, brimming with confidence, demands a horse, armor, and soldiers to travel to the Dauphin (heir to the French throne) in Chinon.
Robert initially dismisses Joan as crazy, but her unwavering conviction and the support of a nobleman named Poulengey convinces him. Poulengey believes Joan might be a miracle France desperately needs.
Despite his doubts, Robert allows Joan to travel to Chinon with Poulengey and a few other soldiers. Joan’s enthusiasm and determination spark a glimmer of hope in both Robert and Poulengey, who recognize the dire situation and the need for a change. The play ends with Joan rushing out, excited about her success, while Robert and Poulengey acknowledge the risk they’ve taken.
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Joan of Arc Summary in Hindi
नाटक फ्रांस में ‘हंड्रेड इयर्स वॉर’ के दौरान खुलता है। फ्रांस का अधिकांश भाग विदेशी नियंत्रण में था, जिसमें अंग्रेजों ने उत्तर और बरगंडियनों ने दक्षिण-पश्चिम पर कब्ज़ा कर लिया था। ऑरलियन्स शहर, जो आखिरी फ्रांसीसी गढ़ों में से एक है, पर अंग्रेजों द्वारा हमला किया जाता है।
एक युवा लड़की, जोन एक फ्रांसीसी सैन्य अधिकारी, कैप्टन रॉबर्ट डी बॉड्रिकोर्ट से मिलने जाती है। जोन, आत्मविश्वास से भरपूर, डाॅफिन (फ्रांसीसी सिंहासन के उत्तराधिकारी) के पास चिनॉन जाने के लिए एक घोड़ा, कवच और सैनिकों की मांग करती है।
रॉबर्ट शुरू में जोन को पागल मानकर खारिज कर देता है, लेकिन उसका अडिग विश्वास और पॉउलेंगी नाम के एक सज्जन का समर्थन उसे मना लेता है। पॉउलेंगी मानते हैं कि फ्रांस को जिस चमत्कार की सख्त जरूरत है, जोन वही हो सकती हैं।
अपनी शंकाओं के बावजूद रॉबर्ट जोन को पॉउलेंगी और कुछ अन्य सैनिकों के साथ चिनॉन जाने की अनुमति देता है। जोन का उत्साह और दृढ़ संकल्प रॉबर्ट और पॉउलेंगी दोनों में आशा की एक किरण जगाता है, जो गंभीर स्थिति और बदलाव की आवश्यकता को पहचानते हैं। नाटक जोन के उत्साह से बाहर आने के साथ समाप्त होता है, उसकी सफलता के बारे में उत्साहित होता है, जबकि रॉबर्ट और पॉउलेंगी उनके द्वारा उठाए गए जोखिम को स्वीकार करते हैं।
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Joan of Arc Lesson Explanation
The year is 1429, giving us a precise historical setting for the events to unfold. The play opens during a turbulent period in French history. Much of the country, both north and south-west, is under foreign occupation.Two major forces occupying France are the English and the Burgundians.The city of Orleans is one of the few remaining territories under French control.
Joan was a peasant girl born in eastern France, who led the French army to several victories during this war.
Captain Robert, a military officer, is interacting with his steward, who is standing before the Captain.
Play:
Robert: I told you to throw the girl out. You have fifty armed soldiers and dozens of strong servants to carry out my orders. Are they afraid of her?
Steward: No sir, we are afraid of you, but she puts courage in us. She really doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. Perhaps you could frighten her, sir.
Word Meaning:
Steward: A steward is a person employed in a household to manage the domestic affairs. In this context, he’s likely the supervisor of the servants.
Carry out: To complete or execute an order or task.
Frighten: To cause fear or alarm in someone.
Explanation: Robert is giving an order to his steward. Robert instructs the steward to throw the woman out. He expresses his frustration by mentioning the number of armed soldiers and servants available to carry out his orders and asks if they were afraid of her.
The Steward answers that they are not afraid of the woman, but rather of Robert himself.
The steward observes that the woman seems fearless. The steward suggests that perhaps Robert himself could try to scare her away.
Play:
Robert: (grimly) Perhaps, where is she now?
Steward: Down in the courtyard, sir.
(Robert goes to the window and asks the soldiers to send the girl up.)
(The girl enters. She is a well-built, strong country girl of 17 to 18 years. The squire’s glare neither frightens her nor stops her. She speaks confidently.)
Word Meaning:
Grimly: In a harsh, severe, or unforgiving way.
Courtyard: The courtyard is the open space within the castle walls.
Glare: A long, hard stare, often used to express anger or hostility.
Explanation: Robert is angry, evidenced by the grim expression. He inquires about the whereabouts of the young woman. The steward informs Robert that the young woman was in the courtyard.
Robert then goes to the window and instructs the soldiers to bring the young woman up.
The description of the young woman paints a picture of a strong, country girl,of about 17-18 years old. Interestingly, she doesn’t seem bothered by Robert’s strict appearance, which suggests she is courageous or has a sense of purpose.
Play:
Joan: Good morning, Captain Squire. You are to give me a horse and armour and some
soldiers, and send me to the Dauphin.
Robert: This girl is mad. Why didn’t you tell me so, you blockhead?
Steward: Sir, do not anger her. Give her what she wants.
Word Meaning:
Dauphin: The eldest son of the king of France, especially during the Middle Ages.
Blockhead: A stupid or foolish person.
Explanation: Joan greets Captain Squire (Robert) and she demands a horse, armor, soldiers, and to be sent to the Dauphin (the French king). Robert reacts with disbelief and dismisses Joan as crazy. He questions the Steward for not warning him about her.
The Steward advises Robert against angering Joan and suggests giving her what she asks for.
Play:
Robert: I shall send you back to your father with orders to put you under lock and key.
Joan: You think you will, squire. But it won’t happen that way. You said you would not see me. But here I am.
Word Meaning:
Lock and key: This is a metaphorical phrase meaning to be confined or imprisoned. Literally, it refers to securing someone in a place with a lock and key.
Explanation: Robert tells Joan that he’ll send her back to her dad, with orders that will confine her to which Joan reminds him he didn’t want to see her, but here she is anyway.
Overall, the dialogue establishes Joan’s strong will and her ability to oppose authority figures like Robert.
Play:
Robert: So, you are assuming that I’ll give you what you want.
Joan: Yes, squire. (Continues busily) A horse will cost sixteen francs. It is a big amount of money. But I can save it on the armour. I don’t need beautiful armour made to my measure. I can find a soldier’s armour that will fit me well enough. I shall not want many soldiers. The Dauphin will give me, all I need, to free Orleans.
Word Meaning:
Assuming: Taking something for granted without confirmation.
Francs: The former currency of France. (Replaced by the Euro in 2002.)
Armour: Protective clothing worn in battle, typically made of metal.
Made to my measure: Custom-made to fit a specific size.
Free Orleans: To lift the siege on the city of Orleans by the English army.
Explanation: Robert questions her assumption that he’ll simply give her what she wants. Joan is confident and determined. She acknowledges the cost of a horse (16 francs) but proposes solutions: using cheaper armor and relying on the Dauphin (the French prince) for additional support.
Play:
Robert: (Shocked) To free Orleans!
Joan: (Simply) Yes, squire. Three men will be enough for you to send with me. Polly and Jack have promised to come with me.
Explanation: Robert shockingly exclaims free Orleans. Orleans was a strategically important city under siege by the English, and freeing it would be a major turning point in the war.
Joan agrees and then mentions she only needs three men to accompany her. She mentions Polly and Jack have already agreed to join her. This implies she has been planning and gathering some support for this mission.
Play:
Robert: You mean Monsieur de Poulengey?
Joan: Yes, Squire Jack will come willingly. He is a very kind gentleman, and gives me money to give to the poor. I think John Godsave will come, and Dick the Archer, and their servants, John of Honecourt and Julian. There will be no trouble for you, squire. I have arranged it all. You have only to give the order.
Robert: (To the steward) Is this true about Monsieur de Poulengey?
Steward: (Eagerly) Yes, sir, and about Monsieur de Metz too. They both want to go with her.
Word Meaning:
Monsieur: (French) A term used before a man’s surname, similar to “Mr.”
Willingly: Happily and without hesitation.
Eagerly: With strong enthusiasm or desire.
Explanation: Joan assures Robert that Squire Jack (Monsieur de Poulengey) will come willingly and that he’s a kind man. Joan expresses confidence that she can convince several people (including Squire Jack, John Godsave, Dick the Archer, and their servants) to travel with her.
To verify her claims, Robert asks the steward if what Joan says about Monsieur de Poulengey is true. The Steward confirms Joan’s words and adds that Monsieur de Metz also wants to join the group.
Play:
Robert: (Goes to the window, and shouts into the court-yard.) Send Monseiur de Poulengey to me, will you? (He turns to Joan) Get out and wait in the yard.
Joan: (Smiling brightly at him) Right, squire. (She goes out).
Word Meaning:
Monseiur: (French) A title used before the name of a man, equivalent to “Mr.”
Explanation: Robert shouts orders for Monseiur de Poulengey. He then dismisses her and asks her to wait outside. Despite being addressed rudely, Joan follows the orders with a warm smile.
Play:
(The steward retreats hastily. Bertrand de Poulengey, a French guard, enters, salutes and stands waiting.)
Robert: She says you, Jack and Dick have offered to go with her. What for? Do you take her crazy idea of going to the Dauphin seriously?
Poulengey: (Slowly) There is something about her. It may be worth trying.
Robert: Oh, come on Polly! You must be out of your mind!
Poulengey: (Unmoved) What is wrong with it? The Dauphin is in Chinon, like a rat in a corner, except that he won’t fight. The English will take Orleans. He’ll not be able to stop them.
Word Meaning:
Retreats hastily: This means to move back quickly, often due to fear or danger.
Salutes: This is a gesture of respect, often involving a raised hand or a bow.
Unmoved: This means not affected emotionally, staying calm and composed.
Explanation: Poulengey enters. Robert is surprised to learn that Joan, along with Jack and Dick, have volunteered to go see Dauphin. He questions the seriousness of Joan’s crazy idea. Poulengey responds cautiously. He senses something unusual about Joan and believes it might be worth taking a chance on her proposal. Robert is shocked by Poulengey’s openness to Joan’s idea. Poulengey remains unconvinced by Robert’s disagreement. He points out the dire situation – the Dauphin is trapped and unwilling to fight, and Orleans is likely to fall to the English.
Play:
Robert: He beat the English the year before last at Montargis. I was with him.
Poulengey: But his men are cowed and now he can’t work miracles. And I tell you that nothing can save our side now but a miracle.
Robert: Miracles are alright, Polly. The only difficulty about them is that they don’t happen nowadays.
Poulengey: I used to think so. I’m not so sure now. There is something about her. I think the girl herself is a bit of a miracle. Anyhow, this is our last chance. Let’s see what she can do.
Word Meaning:
Cowed: Dispirited or intimidated; lacking courage or confidence.
Miracles: A surprising and beneficial event that contradicts known scientific or natural laws.
Alright: Also spelled “all right,” meaning acceptable or satisfactory.
Explanation: Robert is a realist. He acknowledges the recent French victory at Montargis but doubts its lasting impact. He also expresses suspicion about miracles happening in their time. Poulengey is more hopeful. While acknowledging the demoralized French army and the need for a miracle, he sees something special in Joan. He suggests giving her a chance, believing she might be a miracle herself.
This dialogue sets the stage for Joan’s possible influence and the characters’ divided perspectives on her role in saving France.
Play:
Robert: (Wavering) You really think that?
Poulengey: (Turning) Is there anything else left for us to think? Let’s take a chance. Her words have put fire into me.
Robert: (Giving up) Whew! You’re as mad as she is.
Poulengey: (Obstinately) We want a few mad people now. See where the same ones have landed us!
Word Meaning:
Wavering: To be indecisive or uncertain, to fluctuate between different opinions or courses of action.
Put fire into: To motivate or inspire someone with enthusiasm or passion.
Giving up: To stop trying or resisting; to surrender.
Obstinately: In a stubborn or persistent way, refusing to change one’s mind or course of action.
Explanation: This dialogue reveals a disagreement between Robert and Poulengey about Joan of Arc and her claims. Robert is hesitant and doubtful. Poulengey is ready to take a risk. This exchange highlights the desperation of their situation. Poulengey sees Joan’s approach as a spark of hope, even if it seems unrealistic. Robert, however, remains doubtful.
Play:
Robert: I feel like a fool. Still, if you feel sure…?
Poulengey: I feel sure enough to take her to Chinon unless you stop me.
Robert: Do you think I ought to have another talk with her?
Poulengey: (Going to the window) Yes! Joan, come up.
Word Meaning:
Chinon: A town in France where the Dauphin was located at the time.
Come up: An invitation to approach or ascend to a higher level.
Explanation: Robert feels like a fool, hesitant but willing to accept. Poulengey is confident and determined to go to Chinon with Joan. Robert considers talking to Joan again, possibly to convince her or himself.
Play:
(Joan enters)
Poulengey: (Gravely) Be seated, Joan.
Robert: What is your name?
Joan: They always called me Jenny in Lorraine. Here in France, I am Joan. The soldiers call me the Maid.
Robert: How old are you?
Joan: Seventeen, so they tell me. It might be nineteen. I don’t remember
Word Meaning:
Gravely: In a serious and solemn manner.
Lorraine: A region in northeastern France bordering Germany.
Maid: An unmarried young woman, especially a servant. (The soldiers might call Joan “the Maid” because of her young age or perhaps because she is on a mission.)
Explanation: Joan enters and then is being questioned by Robert on her name and age. Joan mentions being called Jenny in Lorraine, Joan in France and the Maid by the soldiers. Joan’s unsure about her exact age, she might be 17 or 19 years old.
Play:
Robert: I suppose you think raising a siege is as easy as chasing a cow out of a meadow. You think soldiering is anybody’s job?
Joan: I don’t think it can be very difficult if God is on your side
Word Meaning:
Raising a Siege: surround from all sides and attack removing the forces surrounding a place
Soldiering: This is the noun form of the verb “to soldier,” which means to be a soldier or to perform the duties of a soldier.
Explanation: Robert sees attacking the enemy’s surroundings as a difficult military feat. He uses a metaphor chasing a cow out of a meadow to highlight the difference between a simple task and a complex military operation. He questions Joan’s understanding of war, implying the work of a soldier is not something someone inexperienced can do.
Joan believes God’s support makes any task, including military victory, achievable. Her belief is that divine intervention will overcome any obstacle.
This dialogue reveals a clash between Robert’s experience and Joan’s faith.
Play:
Robert: (Grimly) Have you ever seen English soldiers fighting? Have you ever seen them plundering, burning, turning the countryside into a desert? Have you heard no tales of their prince who is the devil himself, or of the English king’s father?
Joan: You do not understand, squire. Our soldiers are always beaten because they are fighting only to save their skins and the shortest way to save your skin is to run away. But I will teach them all to fight for France. Then, they will drive the soldiers before them like sheep. You and Polly will live to see the day when there will not be a single English soldier on the soil of France.
Word Meaning:
Grimly: In a harsh, severe, or unforgiving way.
Plundering: Stealing goods from a place that has been attacked or invaded.
Desert: A barren area of land with little or no vegetation.
Save their skins: To escape danger or death, often by running away.
Explanation: Robert is portraying the brutal reality of the war. He describes the English soldiers as destructive and violent, leaving a trail of devastation. He paints a picture of the English leadership as evil.
Joan, however, focuses on the French soldiers’ lack of morale. She believes they’re fighting out of fear, leading to their defeats. Her solution is to instill a sense of purpose in them, a reason to fight beyond just self-preservation. She proposes to teach them to fight for France, for their homeland.
Play:
Robert: (To Poulengey) This may all be nonsense, Polly. But the troops might just be inspired by it though nothing that we say seems to put any fire into them. Even the Dauphin might believe it. And if she can put some fight into him, she can put it into anybody.
Robert: (Turning to Joan) Now you, listen to me and don’t cut in before I have time to think. Your orders are that you are to go to Chinon under the escort of this gentleman and three of his friends.
Joan: (Radiant, clasping her hands) Oh, thank you, squire!
Word Meaning:
Nonsense: Something that has no meaning or value; rubbish.
Inspired: Filled with a strong feeling, such as enthusiasm or determination, to do something.
Put fire into them: Motivate or encourage someone with enthusiasm.
Escort: Someone who accompanies another person or group of people for protection or guidance.
Radiant: Beaming with happiness or delight.
Clasping: Holding something tightly in your hands, especially together.
Explanation: Robert acknowledges the possibility that Joan’s claims of divine guidance might be “nonsense.” However, he sees a potential benefit: the troops might be “inspired” by her story, even if it’s not true. He believes her conviction could even motivate the Dauphin, the heir to the French throne, who is known for being weak-willed.
Robert instructed Joan to travel to Chinon and assigned Poulengey and three others to escort her. To this, Joan reacts with joy and gratitude, clasping her hands and thanking him.
Play:
Poulengey: How is she to get into the royal presence?
Robert : I don’t know. How did she get into my presence? I will send her to Chinon and she can say I sent her. Then, let come what may. I can do no more.
Joan: And the dress? I may have a soldier’s dress, squire?
Robert: Take what you please. I wash my hands off it.
Word Meaning:
Royal presence: This refers to being in the company of the king or someone of high royalty.
Let come what may: This is an idiom meaning “whatever happens in the future.”
Wash my hands off it: This is an idiom signifying that someone refuses to take responsibility for something.
Explanation: Poulengey wonders how Joan, a young peasant girl, will gain access to the Dauphin, to which Robert replies that he doesn’t know and asks how Joan managed to reach him, a high-ranking official. He decides on sending Joan to Chinon, the Dauphin’s court, and let fate decide what happens.
Aware of social norms, Joan asks for a soldier’s clothing to appear more appropriate for the journey and the Dauphin’s court. Robert grants Joan’s request.
Play:
Joan: (Wildly excited by her success) Come, Polly. (She dashes out.)
Robert: (Shaking Poulengey’s hand) Goodbye, old man, I am taking a big chance. Few other men would have done it. But as you say, there is something about her.
Poulengey: Yes, there is something about her. Goodbye.
Word Meaning:
Wildly excited: Extremely happy and enthusiastic, often in a way that is uncontrolled.
Dashes out: Rushes out quickly and suddenly.
Taking a big chance: Taking a significant risk.
Explanation: Joan is excited and asks Polly to come with her. Robert bids goodbye to Poulengey. Robert seems to be taking a risk by helping Joan but is convinced that there is something unique about her, something compelling that makes others take a chance on her. Poulengey agrees and says goodbye to Robert.
Characters in Joan of Arc
Joan
A young peasant girl who claims to hear divine voices calling her to lead the French army and liberate the country. She is strong-willed, confident, and driven by faith and patriotism.
Joan, the central figure, exudes unwavering confidence and faith in her divine mission. Her charisma and conviction challenge authority figures like Captain Robert, who is initially skeptical but ultimately swayed by Joan’s unwavering belief and the support of the open-minded Poulengey. Joan is-
- Strong-willed and confident: Joan displays unwavering confidence in her mission to free the French soil and her ability to lead the French army. She doesn’t hesitate to confront authority figures like Captain Robert.
- Faith in God: Her actions are motivated by her strong faith in God’s will and her patriotism towards France.
- Persuasive: Despite her young age and humble background, Joan manages to convince Poulengey and influence Robert with her conviction.
Captain Robert
Captain Robert de Baudricourt is a high ranking military officer. He is-
- Skeptical and cautious: Initially, Robert dismisses Joan’s claims as crazy. He is doubtful about Joan’s plans.
- Open to persuasion: Despite his doubts, Robert is swayed by Joan’s unwavering conviction and the support of Poulengey. He might be open to new solutions if presented convincingly.
- Burdened by the situation: Robert’s initial hesitation might suggest a sense of helplessness in the face of the desperate situation France finds itself in.
Poulengey (Polly):
- Supportive and open-minded: Poulengey is the first to recognize something unique in Joan and vouches for her cause. This suggests an openness to unconventional solutions.
- Hopeful: Like Robert, Poulengey acknowledges the bleak situation but sees a glimmer of hope in Joan.
Steward
The Steward is a respectful and observant character who seems impressed by Joan’s fearlessness. The steward in the play is-
- Cautious but willing to follow orders: He initially tries to dissuade Robert from angering Joan but follows orders to keep an eye on her.
The Dauphin
The Dauphin is only briefly mentioned in the play. He is the heir to the French throne who is portrayed as lacking leadership and motivation to free France from foreign powers. He is-
- Possibly weak and unmotivated: The portrayal of the Dauphin as someone who “won’t fight” suggests a lack of leadership and motivation to fight the English army to free France.