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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what location does Joan accompany the French leader in Scene 3?

2. In Scene 2, what does the Dauphin bestow upon Joan?

3. What does the French commander do to Joan in Scene 3?

4. In Scene 1, what does Robert think about Joan's assertion that she hears voices?

5. What does the French commander want his troops to attack?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Joan anxious to do in Scene 3? Who stops her, and why?

2. In Scene 3, what does Dunois need, and why?

3. In Scene 4, another man joins the conversation between the nobleman and the chaplain. Who is he and what are his beliefs about and intentions for Joan?

4. After Joan identifies the true Dauphin in Scene 2, what does she tell the Dauphin, and how does he react?

5. In Scene 5, what do Joan's colleagues tell her about in order to dissuade her from continuing war against the English?

6. In Scene 2, after the Dauphin dismisses his advisers from the room and consults with Joan alone, what major decision does he make?

7. In the king's dream, who interrupts the men discussing their personal trials and for what reason does he interrupt them?

8. In Scene 5, why doesn't Joan want to return home after her success at Orleans?

9. In Scene 4, Joan's alignment as an individual with the French king poses a threat to what system, and why?

10. Is Robert's decision to help Joan in Scene 1 based on emotion or rationalization? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An important part of Joan's leadership ability and faith is confidence. Joan radiates confidence borne of divine providence, and her faith is steadfast. Why is Joan so supremely confident in her mission? What makes her so confident? Do you think the supernatural events occurring during her presence increase that confidence? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In the opening scene, the reader is introduced to Joan and can see how commoners and noblemen alike view Joan and her powers. The steward has heard of Joan and is convinced her presence is why the hens have stopped laying eggs. Robert de Baudricourt thinks Joan's claims are preposterous, but he believes she will have a positive effect on the morale of the troops. How does this introduction set the tone for the way Joan is viewed throughout the play? Is this a case of foreshadowing? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

"Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue" is a very short play considering the intricacies involved in telling the story of Joan of Arc. Shaw obviously had to distill his information to make the play interesting and still stay true to Joan's life. Give examples of what you think the author declined to include that might have made the story more interesting, exciting, in-depth, etc. and why. Do you think Joan of Arc's life deserves a longer play, or do you think Shaw does an effective job with his format? Why?

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