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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. What is distressing the commander of the French army in the beginning of Scene 3?

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

3. What does the French commander desperately need in Scene 3?

4. In Scene 3, what has Joan gained access to that is considered evidence of her reputation?

5. In Scene 1, what animals does the steward say are not producing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the men who condemn Joan to death react after her execution?

2. In Scene 6, what are the church officials willing to do if Joan will not recant her sins?

3. How do the new king and his advisers feel about Joan and her desire to continue in battle after her success at Orleans?

4. How do the church officials in Joan's trial respond to her reply to the additional charges brought against her?

5. What happens to the Dauphin at the beginning of Scene 5, and who is responsible for it?

6. After her victory at Orleans, what are Joan's intentions outlined in Scene 5?

7. This play takes place in France in 1492. Just from reading Scene 1, what do you think the political climate was like at that time? Whose citizens were an imposition to the French people? What is Joan's position in this struggle?

8. In Scene 3, Joan agrees to accompany Dunois to what location and for what reason?

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

10. As Dunois and Joan make their way toward their destination late in Scene 3, what happens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Joan's one moment of weakness comes during her trial when she is faced with the possibility of torture and death. How does Joan respond to this threat? What does she do in an attempt to avoid torture and death? Do you think she is under the impression that this act will buy her freedom? Why or why not? What does she do when she finds out that she is still bound for life imprisonment? Do you think she understands the repercussions of this act? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What is the triggering event for Joan to believe that God has called her for a mission? Is her reaction typical for that time? Do you think if Joan had lived during a different era, her reaction to hearing voices might have been different? What about religion in the Middle Ages would lead a person hearing voices to believe they are hearing the voice of a saint? Joan's convictions are strong and her faith is unshakable. Do you think blind faith was more prevalent and stronger in the Middle Ages than it is today?

Essay Topic 3

In the beginning of the play, the Dauphin is an ineffectual, weak leader. France is in the hands of the men who financially support the Dauphin, and the Dauphin is simply a puppet. Joan's mission includes restoring France to its people and freeing her from the English. An integral part of that plan is to employ a strong, effectual leader. How does Joan give the Dauphin the confidence he needs to become king? How does she restore his faith in his life's mission and his ability to rule France? Does this plan include the Dauphin's support staff? How does Joan win them over as well?

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